This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of fractions and their ability to apply them to real life situations.
Students take a trip to the world famous street art site at 5 Pointz in Queens and apply their knowledge to describing the frequency of different types and colours of ‘tags’, and other objects they can see.
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/ssgxo7
This Frozen Oceans booklet outlines the research carried out by the Catlin Arctic Surveys between 2009 and 2011 and can be used in teaching the carbon cycle, ocean acidification and its impact on the Arctic ecosystem for Science GCSE.
Two data activities have been prepared. The first uses a widely referenced longitudinal study on the relation between dissolved carbon dioxide in the ocean and ocean pH. The second uses data collected in the Arctic that looks at the potential impact of ocean acidification on the Arctic ecosystem.
This resource also focuses on the work of real scientists, addressing much of the How Science Works content in GCSE Science specifications including learning from a field research programme, the use of data, the peer review process and how science and society are linked.
Five 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.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and include booklets with structured lesson plans, activity and experiment sheets, an interactive Media Player with videos and images from the expeditions, along with posters and other related resources.
Plastics in oceans is a growing problem. This Key stage 3 (KS3) lesson introduces students to the topic of marine plastics. First, they visit the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ and find out what is happening in the middle of the ocean. Then, students will develop their knowledge of ocean currents and how they can concentrate plastic waste. Last, students will investigate how rubbish reaches the middle of the ocean.
This is a single lesson from Ocean Plastic Geography unit. Ocean Plastics Geography is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. The lessons addresses the issue of marine plastic pollution, the harm caused by plastics to the environment and communities, how we deal with all the waste, ending with a debate on approaches to reducing ocean plastic pollution. Fieldwork templates for investigating plastics in the local area are included as well as a wealth of case studies exploring both the human and physical elements of plastic pollution.
Get the whole unit’s resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of ratios and their ability to apply them to real life situations.
Students start by using ratios to describe the relationship between different numbers of objects in the classroom. They then take a trip to the world famous street art site at 5 Pointz in Queens and apply their knowledge to describing the frequency of different types and colours of ‘tags’. Back in the classroom, students are set three problems to demonstrate their new understanding.
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/RkEPsA
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
Knowledge organiser covering the carbon cycle and climate change.
This includes the following sections:
Carbon cycle processes
Where is the carbon?
Climate change key words
How has human activity changed where carbon is located?
The greenhouse effect
Climate change over time
Atmospheric CO2 over time
Evidence for climate change
This lesson reviews students’ knowledge about the carbon cycle within the context of the study of ecosystems for GSCE Science (Biology) and Geography, as well as the changing composition of the Earth’s atmosphere for GCSE Science (Chemistry). It covers the carbon cycle and major carbon stores and fluxes. The lesson combines a digital interactive carbon cycle diagram to reinforce knowledge of the processes in the carbon cycle, with a hands-on activity to introduce students to the size of the major carbon stores and fluxes. Exam style questions and a knowledge organiser provide a good revision focus.
Learning outcomes
Review basic processes in the carbon cycle
Develop fuller understanding of the carbon cycle
Compare the sizes of the major carbon stores
Demonstrate their understanding of carbon fluxes and how changes have contributed to climate change
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.
This activity focuses on the processes in the global carbon cycle. It can be played individually or in small groups of two to four. Each player will move their counter around the board using the instructions. Players will use a dice to see how their carbon counter will move around the different stores in the carbon cycle.
This activity teaches students about the amount of carbon in the different stores, e.g. ocean, atmosphere, and fossil fuels. It is a group activity designed for between 4 and 6 students. Students will also learn about how carbon passes from one store to another.
Using the context of a voyage around the world’s ocean, students will learn about presentation skills including delivery and slide design. Students will deliver their presentation to the class, receiving feedback from their peers.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 12: Captain’s log
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Student Sheet 12a: Presentation storyboard
Student Sheet 12b: Presentation peer assessment
It forms Lesson 12 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.
This lesson introduces students to the water cycle. They will consider whether it rains more in the UK or the Arctic and then carry out a practical to link the ideas of temperature and evaporation.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 6: The Arctic Ocean and the water cycle with Prof Penny Holliday
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview: Evaporation rates practical
Student Sheet 6a: Water cycle card sort
Student Sheet 6b: Water cycle data activity
Student Sheet 6c: Water cycle exam style questions
Mark scheme: Water cycle exam style questions
It forms Lesson 6 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.
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.
Ocean for beginners X-Curric 11-14 is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. This series of three lessons sets the scene for students who are about to commence Ocean Plastics 11-14. The lessons introduce students to the breadth and depth of the ocean and the wonder of the creatures that inhabit it. The unit goes on to explore some of the many ways we depend on the ocean and asks students to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment expressing their concerns about ocean health. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on investigate possible career opportunities within this field. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 3 unit - Ocean Plastics 11-14.
https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-11-14
Our ocean in crisis KS4 is a resource for year 9, year 10, and year 11 students. In this lesson students will consider some of the myths in the media relating to ocean plastics by completing a true or false activity. They then analyse different news reports considering the motivations different organisations and media outlets may have. Students conduct research about an ‘Ocean hero’ and create a detailed career plan to emulate the achievements of their chosen hero. The lesson concludes with a class discussion about the changes they can implement in their lives which could make a difference to the levels of marine plastic pollution.
This is one of three lessons in the Oceans for beginners X-Curric 14-16 unit. Ocean for beginners X-Curric 14-16 is a Key Stage 4 (KS4) resource. The lessons build on prior knowledge of oceans and the species and habitats it encompasses. Students explore ecosystem goods and services and answer GCSE style questions reflecting on how we use the oceans. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on to consider careers in this field by evaluating the work of an ‘Ocean hero’. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 4 unit - Ocean Plastics 14-16.
Get the full unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-x-curric-14-16
Ocean for beginners X-Curric 7-11 is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) resource. This series of three lessons sets the scene for students who are about to commence Ocean Plastics 7-11. 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.
Our wonderful ocean KS4 is a resource for year 9, year 10, and year 11 students. This is a This lesson will build on prior knowledge of marine environments. Students use globes and atlases to map the locations and key physical features of the oceans. Students will learn the names and notable characteristics of iconic species from different ocean habitats. They then use the information sheets to develop their knowledge and understanding of how humans use the ocean, presenting their findings in a fact-sheet.
This is one of three lessons in the Oceans for beginners X-Curric 14-16 unit. Ocean for beginners X-Curric 14-16 is a Key Stage 4 (KS4) resource. The lessons build on prior knowledge of oceans and the species and habitats it encompasses. Students explore ecosystem goods and services and answer GCSE style questions reflecting on how we use the oceans. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on to consider careers in this field by evaluating the work of an ‘Ocean hero’. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 4 unit - Ocean Plastics 14-16.
Get the full unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-x-curric-14-16
Our ocean and us KS4 is a resource for year 9, year 10, and year 11 students. In this lesson students learn about the concept of ecosystem goods and services, following this they will answer GCSE style exam questions which they will peer assess, reflecting on how dependent we are on the ocean.
This is one of three lessons in the Oceans for beginners X-Curric 14-16 unit. Ocean for beginners X-Curric 14-16 is a Key Stage 4 (KS4) resource. The lessons build on prior knowledge of oceans and the species and habitats it encompasses. Students explore ecosystem goods and services and answer GCSE style questions reflecting on how we use the oceans. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on to consider careers in this field by evaluating the work of an ‘Ocean hero’. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 4 unit - Ocean Plastics 14-16.
Get the full unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-x-curric-14-16
This is the third lesson in the eight lesson Global Climate and Renewable Energy unit for KS4 and GCSE. This is a lesson for higher level students, developing knowledge of climate modelling and accessing information in an academic journal article on the impact of climate on renewable energy production. The HIWAVES research team wrote an academic paper investigating the impact of predicted climate on renewable energy production. This lesson looks at how the research team used climate models as part of their work and then focuses on the academic journal article written by the team and supports students to access information from this level of research output.
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.