Students explore how penguins might have evolved to suit past environmental changes. The core of this lesson is the Penguin Evolution Game, which simulates the six stages of adaptation that lead to evolution.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 11: The Southern Ocean and penguin evolution with Dr Michael Dunn
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview: Penguin evolution script (student-friendly script to describe the six stages of adaptation that lead to evolution)
Activity Overview: Penguin evolution game (instructions for running this classroom simulation)
Student Sheet 11a: Penguin evolution game cards
Student Sheet 11b: Penguin evolution card sort
Student Sheet 11c: Storyboard cloze task
Student Sheet 11d: Storyboard template
It forms Lesson 11 of 12 from the Our Ocean Planet resource, which is designed to support Key Stage 2 teachers to teach all aspects of the ocean. It can be used as a full topic with over 20 hours of classroom activities or using a pick and mix approach. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Encounter Edu links curriculum aligned education with global burning issues to inspire STEM careers and encourage environmental stewardship. Learn more about what we do at www.encounteredu.com or by visiting our TES Shop, filled with quality, free of charge resources.
Encounter Edu has worked with Google to develop training manuals for using Google Earth in the classroom and for mini-expeditions around the school grounds, which incorporates creating virtual fieldwork. The manuals bring together skills for space and mapping, using tech tools, project management and community/pupil agency to improve their own environment. You can also learn to navigate your way around Google Earth and tools it provides with the simple step-by-step skills sheets.
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops geographical understanding of place tectonics and mountain environments.
What better way to learn about plate tectonics than a journey to the world’s highest mountain range. Travel to the Everest region and learn about what happens when plates collide.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/
To download Google Docs versions of the lesson plan and student sheet go to: https://goo.gl/kL79et
In this lesson students investigate the insulating properties of materials and consider how the adaptations of Arctic organisms help develop these.
The context of the lesson is helping to develop new clothing for Tyler Fish, one of the Catlin Arctic Survey explorers.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 4: How do humans and animals keep warm in the arctic?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 4: Investigating insulating materials
Student Sheet 4a: Investigating insulating materials
Student Sheet 4b: Scientific poster template
Student Sheet 4c: Scientific poster template (advanced)
Student Sheet 4d: Blubber gloves
It forms Lesson 4 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
This lesson supports students to develop the ‘writing scientific conclusions’ component of working scientifically for GCSE. It is based on current research being conducted by Exeter University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
In this lesson, students return to their experiments and observe the gut contents of the brine shrimp, applying model conclusions to what they can see.
Students develop their ability to write scientific conclusions using the secondary data from the research team. The lesson ends with students considering the implications of microplastics being consumed by zooplankton on a wide scale.
This full lesson includes:
Lesson Overview & Teacher Guidance
Slideshow 6 Do Zooplankton eat microplastics? (Conclusions)
Student Sheet 5a Do zooplankton eat microplastics? (Practical)
Student Sheet 6a Model conclusions
Student Sheet 6b Do zooplankton eat microplastics? (conclusions)
Activity Overview/Technician Notes 5 Do zooplankton eat microplastics
Answer Sheet for Student Sheet 6b
This is Lesson 6 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.
All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
In this lesson students learn about the impacts of ice in the Arctic melting by watching a series of demonstrations.
The context of the lesson is the work of Dr Helen Findlay who was investigating the effect of environmental change on the Arctic ecosystem.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 5: How is the Arctic changing?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 5a: The albedo effect
Activity Overview 5b: Sea level rise
Activity Overview 5c: Ocean circulation demonstration
Student Sheet 5a: Sentences card sort
Student Sheet 5b: Arctic issues storyboard
It forms Lesson 5 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Plastic pollution: how can we reduce ocean plastics? is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. This first lesson in this design and technology Key Stage 3 (KS3) unit introduces students to ocean plastic pollution. Students learn how the waste hierarchy is used to encourage a reduction in plastic use. Using the various teacher resources students will link the waste hierarchy to the life cycle of plastic, thinking about how the methods used in recycling link to those used in the redesign processes and how those affect the lifetime of plastic products.
This is a single lesson from the Oceans Plastics unit. Ocean Plastics D&T 11-14 is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. Students are taken on the journey of how the 6 Rs can be applied to reduce ocean plastic pollution. Students will learn the science behind what makes plastics both brilliant for everyday purposes and devastating to our oceans and marine life. Exploring the 6 Rs students innovate product designs which creatively solve the problem of ocean plastics.Included in this topic are teacher resources that promote students to problem solve through creative design. Students will design a user-centred recycling bin to promote recycling, create a sustainable fashion brand, build a modular phone, and pitch their own unique design solution to the ocean plastic problem.
Get the whole unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics-design-11-14
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills understanding of biomes and ecosystems.
This lesson focuses on the location and features of tundra and taiga biomes.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/.
This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 2 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below (links go to Google Docs versions of the lessons).
Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems https://goo.gl/0eMtoz
Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Tundra and Taiga https://goo.gl/L6cpjH
Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Tropical Rainforest and Temperate Forests https://goo.gl/wGM97d
Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Savannah and Desert https://goo.gl/sBrZzi
For teachers wishing to bring a hands-on and creative element to the unit, this lesson provides the template for building a reef in your classroom and can act as the basis for future lessons.
Rather than a traditional lesson, these resources describe two possible ways of making your own reef in the classroom: reef-in-a-box and a reef mural. Depending on the time, you have available, you can either use one or both of these approaches over the course of the unit.
This is a single lesson from the unit Coral Oceans 7-11. This science-based unit uses the stunning imagery and 360 media from the XL Catlin Seaview Survey and covers several of the main concepts for students studying living things at upper elementary level.
The unit can be used as a standalone primer for students, using a new and exciting context of corals, clownfish and sharks, or as a comparative study to the local environment.
Students work through a series of connected lessons to develop their understanding of:
habitats and how they provide the basic needs of plants and animals
identification, classification and the use of keys
life cycles, anatomy and sexual reproduction
how animals obtain their food using the idea of food chains
how animals and plants are adapted to their environment
human impact on the environment
Access the full unit’s resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-7-11
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 #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of human anatomy.
This lesson focuses on the internal structure of the heart. Students will be able to label the main features and show the direction of the blood flow inside the hearth. They will also be able to state the purpose of the heart valves and describe the differences between the left and right sides of the heart.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/.
This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 2 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below.
Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: The Heart – External Structure https://goo.gl/UHEs0F
Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: The Heart – Internal human heart structure https://goo.gl/96wNXN
Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: The Heart – Electrical control of the heart beat https://goo.gl/P3E6tX
Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: The Heart – Cardiovascular disease https://goo.gl/7CG7FN
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills understanding of biomes and ecosystems.
This lesson focuses on the location and features of savannah and desert biomes, as well as the process of desertification.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/.
This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 4 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below (links go to Google Docs versions of the lessons).
Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems https://goo.gl/0eMtoz
Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Tundra and Taiga https://goo.gl/L6cpjH
Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems:Tropical Rainforest and Temperate Forests https://goo.gl/wGM97d
Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Savannah and Desert https://goo.gl/sBrZzi
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of human anatomy.
This introductory lesson introduces students to the main features of the lung structure.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/.
This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 1 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below.
Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Lung Structure https://goo.gl/JY0DyB
Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Gas exchange in the alveoli https://goo.gl/c5f0xR
Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Ventilation https://goo.gl/6Rnenz
Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Respiratory System – Disease https://goo.gl/eDJXTf
Our ocean in crisis KS1 introduces students to the idea that plastics can damage the ocean. Students find out about an ‘Ocean hero’ and their achievements and create a portrait of that hero describing what they have achieved. For home learning, students make a pledge to change one thing to help the oceans.
This is one of three lessons. The lessons introduce students to the awe and wonder of the ocean and its inhabitants building a love for marine wildlife and a desire to protect it. The unit goes on to explore some of the many ways we depend on the ocean, from food to livelihoods. Finally, this unit introduces students to what is meant by marine plastic pollution and encourages students to take a thoughtful and critical approach to the information they receive from the media. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 2 unit Ocean Plastics 7-11.
Get the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-x-curric-7-11
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills in analysing creative writing.
It uses a piece of creative writing about being at Everest Base Camp. Students can then use the Google Expedition of Mount Everest to analyse the author’s use of language to create tone and atmosphere.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/
To download Google Docs versions of the lesson plan and student sheet go to: https://goo.gl/vx4tOl
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson challenges students to write a tourist brochure for the Angel Falls.
Students will go on a virtual field trip to the Angel Falls in Venezuela and learn about tourism in the area, before developing their skills in writing geographical descriptions to create a tourist brochure.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/
To download Google Docs versions of the lesson plan and student sheet go to: https://goo.gl/oyU14G
Students work scientifically using models to explain the impacts of Arctic ice melting.
Polar explorer, Ann Daniels puts this lesson into context, sharing her experiences of supporting Arctic fieldwork.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 6 Can ice melting in the Arctic really cause sea level rise?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 6 Sea level rise
Student Sheet 6a Is all ice equal?
Student Sheet 6b Storyboard
Subject Update 4 A melting Arctic
Subject Update 5 All about ice
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
In this Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson, students simulate the training of Arctic explorers to learn how lifestyles can affect physical and mental health.
The lesson is introduced by Ann Daniels, a record-breaking polar explorer as the first woman in history, along with expedition teammate Caroline Hamilton, to reach the North and South Poles as part of all women teams.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 2: How do you train like an Arctic explorer?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 2a: Tyre drag relay
Activity Overview 2b: Sleeping bag relay
Student Sheet 2a: Training storyboard
It forms Lesson 2 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills in data representation and the use of pictograms.
Students start by using pictograms to represent the amount of fruit they have eaten and will eat. They then take a trip through a series of underwater vistas, recording the frequency of different types of sea creatures. They then apply their knowledge of data representation to create frequency pictograms.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/
To download Google Docs versions of the lesson plan and student sheet go to: https://goo.gl/6v0jau
Two data case studies based on the Arctic with options to use ICT or offline versions.
One case study on the link between carbon dioxide and ocean acidity and the other on sea ice thickness. Each case study consists of four lessons. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Classroom Media Player.