It is “ a matter of course that is recorded in science textbooks” that plants can absorb carbon dioxide from the air and then release oxygen as a result of an activity called “ photosynthesis.” However, in this experiment, simple questions that children could have, such as “ How does it differ on sunny days from cloudy days?” “ Does the amount absorbed differ depending on the kind of plant?” “ How do plants with large leaves differ from those with needle-like leaves, such as those found on pine trees?” are answered in front of your eyes in real time and with a high degree of accuracy.

At the venue, a device equipped with a highly accurate “ carbon dioxide concentration sensor (CO2 sensor)” that can control the experimental environment so that plants can output data under common conditions will be prepared. How “ plants absorb carbon dioxide” will be explored in real time.
In particular, the magnitude of change in the amount of CO2 absorbed and the rate of the reaction that occurs when the light on the plants is changed from the normal lighting of the site to special lighting (not sunlight) will doubtlessly be of surprise.

At the same time, how the amount of CO2 absorbed changes between plants with large leaves to plants with needle-like leaves will be shown with data from a variety of plants.
Attempts to numerically record CO2 absorption, probably one of the most mysterious vital activities of plants, and make it visually recognizable in real time has not been carried out very often in the past, and it could be an ideal independent study project during elementary school children’ s summer vacation (particularly fifth and sixth graders).

Experimental device equipped with plants ( “ CO2 sensor ” at front )

Overall view of the Cosmo Oil exhibition booth