A diverse range of unicellular or multicellular organisms that can photosynthesise.

A group of microscopic algae, usually found floating in the upper part of the ocean.

A process in which energy from sunlight converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

A process or system that takes more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.

Rock formed when particles settle on Earth’s surface and then become cemented together.

Evolution of Earth's atmosphere

Chemistry

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Burning hydrocarbons

Atmospheric pollutants

Acid rain and chemical weathering

Greenhouse gases

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Global climate change and the effects

Human activity and climate change

Ozone layer: a story of global success

In the Industrial chemistry unit, pupils will learn about chemical, industrial, environmental and economic factors of some large-scale chemical processes.

In the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change unit, pupils learned about the carbon cycle, the formation of sedimentary rocks, and the impact of burning fossil fuels.

This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.

Atmosphere and changing climate

Which of the following released gases forming Earth's early atmosphere?

What is the name of the process which uses energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen?

Which was the most abundant gas in the early atmosphere?

Algae evolving led to increased levels of which gas in the atmosphere?

Volcanic activity released water vapour into the atmosphere.

As the surface temperature reached 100 ℃ water vapour condensed.

Liquid water fell to Earth forming the oceans.

Put the statements into the correct order to describe how the oceans formed.

carbon being 'locked up' in sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels

Which of the following led to decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Earth's atmosphere comprises approximately 21% of which gas?

What is the percentage of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere?

The atmosphere on Earth has been in roughly the same proportions for how many million years?

What name is given to the layer of gas that surrounds a planet?

Evolution of Earth's atmosphere

Lesson outcome