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 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 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 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 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 explores the fundamental aspects of climate change, from its causes to the methods scientists use to study Earth’s climatic history. Students will delve into the greenhouse effect, examine evidence of past climate changes, and engage in hands-on analysis of sediment cores. Students will: Unravel the greenhouse effect: explore the mechanisms behind global warming and its impact on our planet. Journey through Earth’s climate history: discover how scientists uncover information about past climates and the evidence they use. Analyse ancient climate data: engage in a practical sediment core analysis activity, comparing evidence from sediment and ice cores. Interpret proxy data: Learn how scientists use indirect indicators to reconstruct past climates and practice these techniques. By the end of this lesson, students will: Explain why global warming happens Describe how the climate has changed over time Identify the evidence scientists have for climate change Demonstrate techniques in using proxy data to measure climate change This lesson provides students with a deeper understanding of climate change processes and scientific methods, while addressing key areas of the KS3 Science curriculum. **Curriculum links ** Science KS3 Earth and atmosphere: The composition of the atmosphere The production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate Evidence for past climate change Working scientifically: Using evidence to support conclusions Analysing data and graphs Investigation skills