This engaging nine-lesson unit for KS3 Geography introduces students to crucial aspects of ocean science and climate change, providing a comprehensive exploration of one of the 21st century’s most pressing issues. Covering 70% of Earth’s surface and absorbing over 90% of excess heat from global warming, the ocean plays a vital role in our planet’s systems and human livelihoods. Lesson Progression: Lesson 1 Mapping the Ocean Introduces ocean classification and mapping, emphasising interconnectedness. Lesson 2 Climate Change - Past to Present Explores climate science fundamentals and research methods. Lesson 3 The Carbon Cycle Examines the Earth’s carbon cycle and blue carbon concept. Lesson 4 Climate Impacts Investigates effects on vulnerable ecosystems like the Arctic and coral reefs. Lesson 5 How We Use the Ocean Explores ecosystem services and human impacts. Lesson 6 Ocean Resources - Human Impact Case Studies Focuses on the continental shelf and resource management. Lesson 7 Nature-based Climate Solutions Compares carbon sequestration in various ecosystems. Lesson 8 Climate Action, Policy & Science Traces the history of ocean-climate understanding and action. Lesson 9 Ocean and Climate Unit Assessment Summative assessment of key concepts and applications. Throughout the unit, students develop skills in: Analysing maps and data Understanding complex Earth systems Evaluating human-environment interactions Critical thinking about sustainability and conservation The lessons align with KS3 Geography curriculum requirements, covering locational knowledge, physical and human geography, and geographical skills. Cross-curricular connections with Science, Maths, and PSHE enrich the learning experience. By the end of the unit, students will have a comprehensive understanding of ocean-climate systems, their importance, and the challenges they face. They’ll be equipped to think critically about environmental issues and consider potential solutions, fostering a sense of global citizenship and environmental stewardship.

This engaging lesson introduces students to the complex world of ocean geography, tracing the evolution of our understanding from ancient times to modern oceanography. Students will explore various ways of classifying and mapping our oceans, considering both biophysical characteristics and human-oriented divisions. Key lesson components include: Examining historical perspectives on ocean exploration and mapping Understanding the ocean’s role in the broader Earth system Analyzing different methods of dividing and classifying the ocean Debating the implications of these divisions for ocean management and conservation The lesson incorporates a variety of activities, including class discussions, map analysis, and group work. It aligns with the KS3 Geography curriculum, covering aspects of physical geography, cartography, and human-environment interactions. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: Describe key moments in the history of ocean exploration and oceanography Explain how the ocean connects to other Earth systems Identify and explain various methods of dividing and classifying the ocean Discuss the implications of ocean divisions on future management and conservation Curriculum links Geography KS3 Locational knowledge of environmental regions Physical geography weather and climate, hydrology Understanding how human activity relies on the effective functioning of natural systems Interpret a range of maps, globes and GIS to interpret and analyse places Cross-curricular connections Science: study of the earth and atmosphere History: study of the impacts of European exploration

This comprehensive lesson grounds students in the fundamentals of climate science, exploring the processes that shape our planet’s climate and the methods scientists use to study climate change. Students will engage in a range of activities that bring climate science to life, developing their understanding of both natural and human-induced climate drivers. Key lesson components include: Exploring the fundamental factors that influence Earth’s climate systems Investigating natural climate drivers and distinguishing them from human influences Learning about proxy evidence and how scientists reconstruct past climates Visualising the greenhouse effect through interactive activities Analysing real climate data to develop critical thinking and data interpretation skills This lesson aligns closely with the KS3 Geography curriculum, covering aspects of locational knowledge, physical geography, and climate processes. It also provides valuable cross-curricular links with Science, particularly in the areas of Earth science and energy. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain the basic factors influencing Earth’s climate Describe the concept of climate change and its various drivers Outline methods scientists use to study past climates Demonstrate improved skills in analyzing and interpreting climate data Curriculum links Geography KS3 Locational knowledge of environmental regions Physical geography weather and climate, hydrology Cross-curricular connections Science: Earth and atmosphere; energy

This comprehensive lesson introduces students to the Earth’s Carbon Cycle and the concept of Blue Carbon, highlighting their critical roles in regulating our planet’s climate. Through a series of engaging activities, students will explore the movement of carbon through various Earth systems and understand the importance of coastal ecosystems in carbon sequestration. Key lesson components include: Exploring the carbon cycle and its influence on Earth’s climate Investigating the** links between the carbon cycle, greenhouse effect, and climate change** Introducing the concept of Blue Carbon and its role in carbon sequestration Mapping and analysing major blue carbon habitats using GIS tools Examining human impacts on the carbon cycle and exploring potential solutions This lesson aligns closely with the KS3 Geography curriculum, covering aspects of locational knowledge, physical geography, and the interaction between human activity and natural systems. It also provides valuable cross-curricular links with Science, particularly in ecosystem studies. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain the basic carbon cycle and its components Describe the connection between the carbon cycle, greenhouse effect, and climate change Define blue carbon and explain its importance Identify and locate major blue carbon habitats Discuss human impacts on the carbon cycle and potential mitigation strategies Curriculum links Geography KS3 Locational knowledge of environmental regions Physical geography weather and climate, hydrology Understanding how human activity relies on the effective functioning of natural systems Interpret a range of maps, globes and GIS to interpret and analyse places Cross-curricular connections Science: Ecosystems

This comprehensive lesson examines the impacts of climate change on two of the ocean’s most vulnerable ecosystems: the Arctic and tropical coral reefs. Students will explore how increased atmospheric CO2 affects these ‘sentinel’ environments and consider the implications for both marine life and human societies. Key lesson components include: Investigating the consequences of increased atmospheric CO2 on the ocean Understanding the concept of ‘sentinel’ environments in climate change research Analysing Arctic sea ice data to observe long-term climate trends Comparing healthy and bleached coral reefs through video analysis Reflecting on conservation efforts and international collaboration needed to address these issues The lesson incorporates a variety of engaging activities, including mind mapping, data analysis, video observations, and creative communication tasks. It aligns closely with the KS3 Geography curriculum, covering aspects of locational knowledge, physical geography, and human-environment interactions. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain the range of potential impacts of increased CO2 in the atmosphere on oceans Locate and describe areas of the ocean most affected by climate change Describe how Arctic and coral reef habitats are being negatively impacted by human activity Discuss appropriate human responses to these environmental challenges This engaging lesson provides students with a deep understanding of climate change impacts on critical ocean ecosystems, fostering both scientific literacy and environmental awareness. Curriculum links Geography KS3 Locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on major ocean regions, concentrating on their environmental regions Understand how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments, and the climate; Physical geography relating to weather and climate, including the change in climate from the Ice Age to the present; and glaciation and hydrology. Build on their knowledge of globes, maps, and atlases, and apply and develop this knowledge routinely in the classroom and in the field. Cross-curricular connections Science: Relationships in an ecosystem, environmental changes, and effects on living things; Earth and atmospheric science, including climate change and its effects on the environment

This lesson introduces students to the concept of ecosystem services, with a focus on the ocean environment. Students will explore the vital benefits that healthy ocean ecosystems provide to all humans, particularly coastal communities, and examine the impacts of climate change and resource exploitation on these services. Key lesson components include: Understanding the concept of ecosystem goods and services Exploring specific ecosystem services provided by ocean environments Investigating human impacts on ocean ecosystem services Examining case studies of coastal communities affected by ecosystem degradation Reflecting on the fairness and sustainability of ocean resource exploitation The lesson incorporates engaging activities such as mind mapping, cause-and-effect diagramming, and group presentations. It aligns with the KS3 Geography curriculum, covering aspects of human-environment interactions, resource management, and sustainability. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain the concept of ecosystem goods and services, with a focus on the ocean Discuss human impacts on ocean ecosystem services Describe challenges faced by coastal communities due to ecosystem degradation Reflect on the fairness and sustainability of ocean resource exploitation This thought-provoking lesson encourages students to consider the interconnectedness of human well-being and ocean health, fostering critical thinking about environmental sustainability and social justice issues. Curriculum links Geography KS3 Understand how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments, and the climate Economic activity Locational knowledge of environmental regions Cross-curricular connections Science: Relationships in an ecosystem, environmental changes, and effects on living things

This in-depth lesson introduces students to the continental shelf, a crucial yet often overlooked part of the ocean environment. Students will explore the economic importance of this area, its various uses, and the potential conflicts between exploitation and conservation. Key lesson components include: Understanding the geography and importance of the continental shelf Exploring the diverse resources and uses of the continental shelf Investigating the impacts of fishing and other human activities on marine ecosystems Examining case studies of human exploitation and its consequences Reflecting on the** balance between economic activities and environmental conservation** The lesson incorporates a variety of engaging activities, including map analysis, video observations, group research projects, and discussions. It aligns with the KS3 Geography curriculum, covering aspects of physical geography, resource management, and human-environment interactions. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain why the continental shelf is a special part of the ocean Describe the resources and uses of the continental shelf Discuss how economic exploitation can impact marine ecosystems Analyse real-life examples of human activities on the continental shelf and their consequences This thought-provoking lesson encourages students to consider the complexities of managing ocean resources, fostering critical thinking about sustainable development and marine conservation. Curriculum links Geography KS3 Understand how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments, and the climate How human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems Cross-curricular connections Science: conserving biodiversity

This wide-ranging lesson focuses on carbon sequestration and its role in mitigating climate change. Students will explore three major carbon stores: forests, blue carbon ecosystems, and the continental shelf, gaining insight into how natural systems can help combat global warming. Key lesson components include: Recapping knowledge of the continental shelf and its role in carbon storage Introducing the Convex Seascape Survey and its research on seabed carbon Comparing carbon storage potential of different ecosystems through an interactive quiz Clarifying key carbon-related terms and units Engaging in a decision-making exercise to evaluate various climate action strategies The lesson features a mix of activities, including class discussions, quizzes, and a group debate. It aligns with the KS3 Geography and Science curricula, covering aspects of climate change, ecosystems, and environmental management. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain how ocean and coastal habitats help store carbon Describe how human activities can disrupt blue carbon capture and storage Evaluate the importance of protecting blue carbon habitats Analyse and compare different climate action strategies This thought-provoking lesson encourages students to think critically about complex environmental issues and the potential of nature-based solutions to climate change. Curriculum links Geography KS3 Understanding how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments, and the climate. Understanding how human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems. Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills, and writing at length. Cross-curricular connections Science: ecosystems, carbon cycle Mathematics: working with large numbers and units, area calculations, proportions and ratios PSHE: discussing personal and societal responsibilities towards the environment

This engaging lesson takes students on a journey through the history of ocean and climate science, policy, and activism. By creating a timeline, students will explore the interconnections between scientific discoveries, policy decisions, and public action in addressing ocean-climate issues. Key lesson components include: Exploring the historical development of our understanding of ocean-climate systems Creating a multi-track timeline of key events in science, policy, and activism Analysing connections between scientific discoveries, policy changes, and public action Identifying and discussing success stories in ocean-climate protection efforts The lesson centres around a collaborative timeline creation activity, supplemented by group presentations and class discussions. It aligns with KS3 Geography and Science curricula, covering aspects of environmental history, scientific progress, and civic engagement. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Identify key scientific discoveries related to ocean-climate systems Understand how these discoveries have influenced policy decisions Recognise the role of ocean-climate focused activism in driving change Appreciate success stories in ocean-climate action This thought-provoking lesson encourages students to see the big picture of ocean-climate issues, fostering an understanding of how science, policy, and public action interact to address global environmental challenges. Curriculum links Geography KS3 How human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments How human activity relies on the effective functioning of natural systems Analyse and draw conclusions from geographical data, using multiple sources of increasingly complex information Cross-curricular connections Science: scientific attitudes connecting research and policy PSHE: living in wider world

This final lesson serves as a summative assessment for the Ocean and Climate unit, allowing students to demonstrate their grasp of key concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. The assessment covers a range of topics including: Blue carbon ecosystems and their role in climate mitigation Human activities on the continental shelf and their impacts Ocean ecosystem services and their importance International climate agreements and ocean protection strategies The lesson is structured around a comprehensive written assessment that includes various question types, from knowledge recall to data analysis and synthesis. This format allows students to showcase their understanding across different skill levels. Key components of the assessment include: Multiple-choice questions to test basic knowledge Short-answer questions to assess deeper understanding Data interpretation tasks related to ocean acidification Extended response questions on ocean protection strategies Curriculum links Geography KS3 Understanding how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments, and the climate How human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems Using a range of methods including maps, numerical and quantitative skills to analyze information

This lesson brings the KS3 curriculum to life, seamlessly blending key concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics into a cohesive exploration of Earth’s systems. Through a carefully crafted series of activities, students will: Unravel climate change’s impact on our oceans, discovering how seemingly small changes can create ripple effects across entire ecosystems. Engage in a dynamic card sort activity that challenges them to categorise and connect various aspects of climate change, from causes to consequences. Get creative by designing an eye-catching diagram that visually represents the complex web of linkages in climate change. Develop critical thinking skills as they analyse how human activities contribute to climate change and how these changes affect Earth’s delicate balance. Gain a deeper appreciation for the role of oceans in regulating our climate, tying together concepts of heat transfer, atmospheric science, and marine biology. By the end of this lesson, students will not only understand the science behind climate change but also feel empowered to discuss its far-reaching impacts on habitats, ecosystems, and human societies. This comprehensive approach ensures that students grasp the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Aligned with key KS3 curriculum links, this lesson provides a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. It’s an ideal way to spark curiosity, foster environmental awareness, and inspire the next generation of climate scientists and ocean advocates. Curriculum links Science KS3 Biology Relationships in an ecosystem, environmental changes, and effects on living things. Chemistry Earth and atmospheric science, including climate change and its effects on the environment. Physics Energy, heat transfer, and the role of the atmosphere and oceans in regulating climate. Learning outcomes Connect climate change to changes in the ocean List and describe climate change impacts in the ocean Categorise the different aspects of climate change and its impacts Create a diagram to show the linkages in climate change

Get involved in ocean conservation with this thought-provoking lesson that brings the complex world of sustainable fishing to your classroom. Prepare to transform your students into marine detectives and eco-conscious consumers as they: Follow the fish from sea to plate: Take your class on a journey from the ocean depths to their dinner tables, asking them to connect the ocean food they eat to marine life. Crunch the numbers: Engage in a fun, fish-themed maths activity. They’ll calculate just how many cod it would take to feed the nation with fish fingers, bringing maths to life. Evaluating fishing techniques: Guide your class as they explore various fishing methods. They’ll weigh the pros and cons of each, developing critical thinking skills as they grapple with real-world sustainability issues. Step into the shoes of marine life: Through engaging activities, students will gain empathy for ocean creatures and understand the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems. Raise their voices for ocean health: Inspire your class to become advocates for sustainable fishing. They’ll craft persuasive arguments to convince school leaders and even government officials to ‘get fish smart’! This lesson beautifully intertwines elements of PSHE and Geography curricula, offering a perfect blend of environmental awareness, economic understanding, and civic engagement. It’s designed to nurture critical thinking while fostering a sense of global citizenship. By the end of this fishy adventure, your students will: Demonstrate a clear understanding of fish as a food source and its journey to our plates Show improved skills in debating the merits and drawbacks of different fishing methods Develop empathy for marine life and ecosystems affected by overfishing Craft persuasive arguments for sustainable fishing practices See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links KS2 PSHE • Sustainable development and use of natural resources • Taking action on environmental issues KS2 Geography • economic activity and distribution of natural resources including food

Journey to the mangrove forests of Indonesia in this thought-provoking lesson that brings conservation and community cooperation to life in your KS2 classroom. Prepare to transform your students into conservationists as they: Explore a magical forest between land and sea: Take a virtual expedition to the mysterious mangrove forests of Indonesia, where trees seem to walk on water! Become mangrove detectives: Guide your young explorers as they uncover the secrets of mangroves - from their unique adaptations to their crucial role in protecting coastlines and combating climate change. Step into different shoes: Through an engaging stakeholder activity, students will role-play as various groups with interests in the mangroves - from local fishermen to government officials. This exercise in empathy will help them understand the complexity of conservation efforts. Solve real-world puzzles: Challenge your class to balance the needs of different groups while protecting the mangroves. They’ll have to grapple with authentic conservation dilemmas. Build bridges for a better future: Inspire your students to find creative solutions that bring diverse groups together. They’ll learn the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. This lesson beautifully aligns with the KS2 Geography curriculum, touching on globally significant places, physical geography, and human geography. It encourages students to think critically about the interplay between nature and human societies. By the end of this mangrove expedition, your students will: Confidently locate and describe the natural features of mangrove forests Demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of mangroves to both nature and people Show improved skills in considering multiple perspectives on environmental issues Develop and present creative ideas for collaborative conservation efforts See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links Geography KS2 • Globally significant marine and terrestrial places • Physical geography: climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts • Human geography: land use and the distribution of natural resources

Get ready to introduce your KS2 class to the fascinating realm of blue carbon habitats - Earth’s hidden climate champions. In this exciting lesson, your students will: Uncover nature’s secret weapon: Introduce the concept of ‘blue carbon’ and learn how coastal environments are Earth’s unsung heroes in the battle against climate change. Find global habitats: Students locate and map major blue carbon habitats around the world. They’ll develop their geography skills while gaining a global perspective on these crucial ecosystems. ‘Do the math’ like real scientists: Dive into data analysis with a fun and engaging activity. Students will interpret real data to understand just how powerful these habitats are in absorbing carbon, bringing maths and science together in a meaningful way. Explore underwater forests: Take a virtual field trip to mangrove swamps, seagrass meadows, and saltmarshes. Students will be amazed to learn how these environments act as nature’s own carbon capture technology. Become ecosystem advocates: Inspire your class to think critically about conservation. They’ll use their newfound knowledge and data interpretation skills to make compelling arguments for protecting these vital habitats. This lesson brilliantly integrates elements of the KS2 Maths and Geography curricula, offering a perfect blend of data interpretation and global awareness. It’s designed to nurture analytical thinking while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. By the end of this hope-filled journey, your students will: Confidently explain the concept of blue carbon and how coastal habitats store it Demonstrate improved map skills by locating major blue carbon habitats globally Show enhanced data interpretation skills, using numbers to support environmental conservation See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links Maths KS2 Interpret and present data Geography KS2 Locate globally significant marine places

This engaging exploration will transform your KS2 classroom into an underwater observatory, where students will discover the fascinating and sometimes concerning changes happening beneath the waves. Get ready to embark on an oceanic adventure where your students will: Become climate detectives: Unravel the mystery of how excess carbon in our atmosphere is changing our planet’s oceans. Watch as your students connect the dots between human activities and the transformations occurring in our marine world. Journey from pole to pole: Take a virtual expedition from the melting ice caps to the vibrant coral reefs. Students will be amazed to learn how climate change affects vastly different marine ecosystems. Explore a coral wonderland: Dive into a video case study of the Maldives’ coral reefs. Your class will explore this colorful underwater world and learn about the delicate balance that keeps coral reefs healthy. Hear from the experts: Engage with real quotes from scientists and community members in an exciting poster activity. This hands-on task will bring the human element of climate change to life, showing students how these changes affect people around the world. Become ocean advocates: Inspire your students to share their newfound knowledge through creative poster designs. This lesson beautifully aligns with the KS2 Geography curriculum, focusing on how environments change over time. It offers a perfect blend of scientific understanding and global awareness, encouraging students to think critically about the world around them. By the end of this ocean odyssey, your students will: Confidently explain how excess atmospheric carbon leads to climate change Identify and describe various impacts of climate change on our oceans Create compelling posters to share their learning and raise awareness See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links Geography KS2 How environments can change over time; focus on both terrestrial and marine systems and places.

This lesson is an exciting scientific adventure on the carbon cycle Perfect for KS2 students, this lesson will transform your classroom into a living laboratory where young minds will unravel the mysteries of one of Earth’s most crucial processes. Dive into the world of carbon with your class as they: Discover the building blocks of life: Students will be amazed to learn that carbon is all around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Become carbon cycle detectives: Through engaging activities and visual aids, students will piece together the puzzle of how carbon moves through our world. They’ll trace carbon’s journey from plants to animals, from the atmosphere to the oceans, and back again. Play the ‘Carbon Cycle Game’: Students become carbon atoms, moving between different parts of the ecosystem in this fun, interactive activity that brings the carbon cycle to life. Connect the dots to climate change: Guide your students as they make the crucial link between human activities, the carbon cycle, and our changing climate. Blend science and geography: This lesson intertwines concepts from both subjects, showing how carbon’s journey affects both land and sea, and how environments change over time. This lesson acts as a springboard, building on students’ existing knowledge of food chains and animal needs, while preparing them for more advanced concepts in environmental science. It’s designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. By the end of this lesson, your students will: Confidently explain what carbon is and where it can be found Understand and articulate the stages of the carbon cycle Make connections between human activities and changes in the carbon cycle See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links Science KS2 Brings together learning on: transport of oxygen in humans and other animals; what plants and animals need to survive; how living things are, connected in feeding relationships; combustion through heating of materials. Geography KS2 How environments can change over time; focus on both terrestrial and marine systems and places.

This group activity is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the carbon cycle. It is aimed at upper primary classes, as it represents a simplified model of how carbon moves. Students will develop their understanding of how carbon moves between the atmosphere, plants, and animals, as well as how the burning of fossil fuels over the past 250 years has caused an imbalance in the carbon cycle.

In this introductory lesson, we look at the scientific processes and concepts of the carbon cycle. This will enable students to grow prior knowledge of food webs, respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as the combustion of fossil fuels into a more complete model. The lesson starts with an exercise to illustrate the range of different forms of carbon and carbon compounds and where they are found. This is followed by a gamified exploration of the carbon cycle. Key vocabulary and an understanding of the carbon cycle and its link to climate change is developed through a dominos task and short answer questions. Learning outcomes Identify where carbon can be found Describe ten basic processes of the carbon cycle Demonstrate their understanding of carbon stores and movement between them Link increasing carbon in the atmosphere to climate change

This introductory lesson looks at the scientific processes and concepts of the carbon cycle. This will enable students to grow prior knowledge of food chains and feeding relationships to understanding the drivers of environmental change. The lesson starts with an introduction to what carbon is, followed by a scaffolded understanding of the carbon cycle, reinforced by a fun activity. The lesson will close by analysing how an imbalance in the carbon cycle is leading to increased carbon in the atmosphere, which is driving the climate crisis. An interactive carbon cycle diagram complements the lesson. Learning outcomes List where carbon can be found Describe four basic processes of the carbon cycle Demonstrate their understanding of carbon stores and movement between them Link increasing carbon levels in the atmosphere with climate change

This is the final lesson in the eight lesson Global Climate and Renewable Energy unit for KS4 and GCSE. Students will present their ideas for a low carbon future. Students will assess their own and peers’ work and complete a review of the unit learning. In their small groups, students will be presenting their ideas for a low carbon future to the class. Each student group will evaluate the other presentations. Once the presentations are finished, students will reflect on the whole experience. They need to consider what they contributed, what they discovered, what sources of information they used, and what they might change. The unit provides a robust understanding of the latest findings promoting climate literacy, while being curriculum-aligned to GCSE exam body specifications, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to tackle challenges of the future. The unit and its associated activities and multimedia can also be accessed on the Encounter Edu website.