Organic matter comes from living organisms. It contains carbon atoms as the main framework of compounds to which hydrogen atoms can attach.

Plankton are microscopic, aquatic plants and animals.

Decomposition is the break down of dead and decaying matter.

Hydrocarbons are molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms only.

Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the dead remains of organisms.

Formation of fossil fuels

Science

Physical weathering and erosion

Formation of sedimentary rock

Fossils and the rock cycle

Gases in the atmosphere

Atmospheric carbon

The carbon cycle

In the Atmosphere and Changing Climate unit, pupils will build on their understanding of the carbon cycle and climate change to explore the evidence for the composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, and the effects and mitigation of increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane.

In the Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the composition of rock, the interior of the Earth, and how igneous and metamorphic rocks are made by heating.

This unit explores the rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It also examines the atmosphere's composition, human-induced carbon dioxide production, and its impact on climate. Focus is on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and presenting explanations.

Carbon cycle and climate change

What name do we give fuels formed over millions of years from the dead remains of organisms?

The organic matter that formed coal, oil and natural gas decomposed into which molecules?

What conditions lead to the production of fossil fuels from organic matter over millions of years?

Where are crude oil and natural gas found?

Dead plankton settle at the bottom of the oceans.

Plankton become covered by sediments and mud.

High pressure and high temperatures turn the plankton into crude oil and gas.

The crude oil and natural gas moves through the pores in sedimentary rock.

Reservoirs of crude oil and natural gas form under impermeable rock.

Rearrange the statements to describe how crude oil and natural gas form.

How long does it take to form fossil fuels?

Hydrocarbons are molecules found in coal, crude oil and natural gas. 
Which elements do hydrocarbons contain?

the break down of dead and decaying matter

formed over millions of years from the dead remains of organisms

Match the key terms with the correct definitions.

Starter Quiz

How long does it take to form fossil fuels?