Gas Sorting Activity

This worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 build a clear understanding of Earth’s atmosphere by sorting common gases into greenhouse and non-greenhouse categories. Learners practice science vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking as they evaluate gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrogen, oxygen, and CFCs and determine which ones contribute to atmospheric warming.

Learning Goals

• Identifying Greenhouse Gases (Grades 4-6) – Students distinguish between gases that trap heat and those that do not.
• Atmospheric Composition Understanding – Learners review the role different gases play in Earth’s atmosphere.
• Sorting & Categorization Skills – Students classify scientific information accurately using a structured chart.
• Science Vocabulary Application – Reinforces correct use of climate and atmospheric science terminology.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary climate and Earth science standards.
• Clear Sorting Format – Supports accuracy and helps students visually organize scientific concepts.
• Builds Foundational Climate Knowledge – Prepares students for deeper learning about the greenhouse effect and climate change.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for independent practice, small groups, review lessons, or formative assessment.

This gas sorting activity worksheet helps students develop confidence in climate science by clearly separating greenhouse gases from non-greenhouse gases. Through classification and analysis, learners strengthen science literacy, critical thinking, and understanding of atmospheric processes. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this printable resource offers meaningful, low-prep practice that supports essential learning about Earth’s climate system.

This worksheet is part of our Greenhouse Effect Worksheets collection.