Environment and Climate Change KS1

Environment and Climate Change KS1

A collection of KS1 resources that focus on the environment, climate change, plastic and pollution, and recycling.

The 4-lesson unit includes the following:

1. Caring for living things
   In this lesson, the children will learn about the responsibilities associated with caring for living things. We will talk about ‘needs’ and reflect on the various things animals and plants must have if they are to survive. The students will read Don’t let them disappear by Chelsea Clinton, before completing a conservation poster activity linked to the text.

2. All about recycling
   In this lesson, the children will learn about recycling. We will discuss the reasons why recycling is so important as well as taking a closer look at the different types of materials that can and can’t be recycled. The students will read Why do we recycle? by Jen Green, before completing an activity linked to the text. The lesson includes a case study starter, a story with accompanying questions, a recycling sorting task and a debate-style plenary.

3. Plastic and pollution
   In this lesson, the children will learn about the vast quantity of plastic that is finding its way into rivers and oceans. We will discuss the impact of plastics on wildlife and the consequences of microplastics entering the food chain . The students will read A planet full of plastic by Neal Layton, before completing an awareness leaflet activity linked to the text. The lesson includes a case study starter, a story with accompanying questions, an awareness leaflet activity and a plenary task.

4. Global warming / climate change
   In this lesson, the children will learn about climate change and the reasons why our world is getting warmer. We will discuss the harmful effects of greenhouse gases and the different ways we can help to lessen the effects of global warming. The lesson includes a case study starter, a video clip with accompanying questions, an sorting task and a puzzle plenary task.

Each lesson includes a variety of fun and creative activities, plus enough teaching materials to last at least an hour.

The lessons in this unit are suitable for use with students in KS1 (Year 1/Year 2), or with minor adjustments, Year 3.

The resources are also suitable for use in schools who have opted to follow the PSHE Association’s Thematic Model for KS1.

If you would like to see a sample of our resources, the following lesson is free to download:

KS1 - Private Body Parts

KS1 - What is the Internet?