Audience-Pleasing Physical Models to Support CO2 Outreach

Outreach to increase public understanding is critical to implementation of carbon capture and storage, but conventional lectures may fail to engage a non-technical audience. In this presentation we will exhibit a selection of do-it-yourself demonstrations that are proven to grab an audience’s attention and can be adapted for use with a variety of groups.

Using interesting and engaging physical models, and without use of PowerPoint, posters or handouts, speakers can show a non-technical audience (1) how CO2 is formed from the combustion of hydrocarbon molecules(2) how much CO2 we produce in daily activities, (3) why CO2 works to trap heat in the atmosphere 4)the properties of CO2 and its health and safety risks (5)how geologic storage of CO2 would work to reduce emissions. These demonstrations require only readily available, low-cost materials and have been used successfully with a variety of audiences, from adults to elementary school-age children. They are simple enough to be replicated by audience members for use in school and community programs.