Lesson 1: Making Things Concrete

Concrete is used in many modern building applications. Its ability to be formed, yet still create a strong permanent structure, makes it an ideal material for construction uses. Cement is used to make most types of concrete. However, the making of cement usually releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Can you make cement that does not have the carbon dioxide emission problem?

Doing the science

1. Start the Negative Cement Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Click on the "Sample 1" button. Note and record the makeup of this cement sample in Table 1.
3. Click the gray "Make Cement" button. Note and record in Table 1 the Temperature required to make the cement sample and the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment (CO₂ level).
4. Click the gray "Test Cement" button. In this test, carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere above the cement sample and some of the CO₂ will be reabsorbed by the cement. To do this, click the "Release" button.
5. Note and record in Table 1 the amount of carbon dioxide reabsorbed by the cement. To find this relative value, subtract the final CO₂ Level from the initial CO₂ Level (2.0) that was released into the environment.
6. Click the "New Sample" button, then click on the "Sample 2" button and repeat steps 2-6.
7. Repeat the process described above, until you test all three cement samples. Make sure to record your data in Table 1.