The Carbon-nots to the Rescue comic book was initially designed as supplemental material to help middle school science teachers explain new concepts within revised state educational standards for Texas students, known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This comic book colorfully illustrates the importance of chemistry (e.g., elements and molecules) and outlines how innovative technology in Texas, known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), will help decrease atmospheric greenhouse gases. This book is currently used to help clarify STEM concepts in both middle schools and high schools and is also useful for general audiences.

The comic book aligns particularly well with TEKS standards designed for seventh and eighth graders (TEKS S.7.6.A–C; S.8.11.A–C). By utilizing TEKS S.8.11.B, the comic book narrates how greenhouse gases are released from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil), solid waste, and trees as well as during various chemical reactions necessary for industrialization (e.g., manufacturing of cement). The book illustrates how greenhouse gases are absorbed by photosynthetic organisms and how deforestation and urbanization negatively affect the natural balance of the carbon cycle.

Join the Carbon-not adventure as two Northern Mockingbirds, the state birds of Texas, share their observations with students! See Texas kids and their new feathered friends discuss cutting edge chemical solutions to reduce our carbon output into the atmosphere (e.g., capturing and separating carbon dioxide [CO2] and injecting CO2 underground permanently). Delve into new vocabulary and explore student creativity through critical thinking questions, a coloring page for all ages, a vocabulary list, and a carbon cycle exercise made for the classroom and science exploration events (accompanying materials coming soon). Enjoy!