the layer of gases that surrounds Earth. It includes the oxygen we need to breathe, so it is essential for life on Earth

includes all the water on Earth, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater, and water vapour in the atmosphere

the solid parts of Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core, as well as rocks, soil, mountains, and other landforms

life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms (plants, animals, bacteria, etc.) and the ecosystems they form

proposed geological epoch that marks when human activity has had a significant impact on Earth

An introduction to the Anthropocene

Geography

Evidence of the Anthropocene

The human impact on ecosystems

The impact of consumption

Plastic pollution

Threats to oceans

Fieldwork: Planning an air pollution enquiry and collecting data

Fieldwork: Presenting air pollution data

Fieldwork: Analysing, concluding and evaluating air pollution data

Phasing out fossil fuels

Alternative energy supplies

Global governance

Our future climate

Sustainability: A new way of living

This unit teaches pupils about how humans have affected our world by looking at environmental issues such as plastic pollution and the impact of fossil fuel use. The unit leads pupils to question whether we are in a new geological epoch.

Anthropocene: What is the impact of humans on the world?

Earth’s solid parts, from crust to core

A recent period shaped by major human impact

How have humans affected the hydrosphere?

It has reduced the use of natural resources

It has increased pressure on land, water, and the atmosphere

How has global population growth affected Earth's physical systems?

Which of these is an example of human impact on the planet?

What do we call places with lots of people living in them?

Which of these is a reason why people might not live in an area?

What does pollution do to the environment?

An introduction to the Anthropocene

Lesson outcome