a layer of gases that surrounds a planet, which may also contain particles of solids and liquids

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

an exothermic chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen

the breaking down of dead organic matter by microorganisms

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Combined science

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Evolution of Earth's atmosphere

Burning hydrocarbons

Atmospheric pollutants

Acid rain and chemical weathering

Greenhouse gases

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

The complete combustion of fossil fuels produces water and which other product?

Organisms that break down dead and decaying matter

This shows how carbon moves between different carbon reservoirs

An exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.

Match the scientific key term with the correct definition

Which of the following processes does not occur in the carbon cycle?

At higher ocean temperatures less CO₂ is dissolved in them

At higher ocean temperatures more CO₂ is dissolved in them

Ocean temperature does not have an effect on the amount of CO₂ dissolved in them

What effect does increased ocean temperatures have on the amount of CO₂ dissolved in the oceans?

the carbon dioxide molecules will not travel far and will remain in London

the carbon dioxide molecules may travel to the countryside surrounding London

the carbon dioxide molecules travel longer distances such as to mainland Europe.

the carbon dioxide molecules may eventually spread around the world.

Which option best describes how far molecules of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere in London will spread?

The rate of addition of CO₂ is greater than the rate of removal

The rate of addition of CO₂ is the same as the rate of removal

The rate of addition of CO₂ is less than than the rate of removal

If CO₂ levels in the atmosphere are increasing, what does this tell us about the rate of addition and removal?

Which of the following are greenhouse gases?

What key term do we use to describe the layer of gas that surrounds a planet?

carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

fuel + oxygen → carbon monoxide + water

Which of the following is a correct equation for complete combustion?

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Which of the following is the correct equation for respiration?

Which of the following lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves in the oceans

carbon dioxide in the oceans reacts to form carbonate compounds

carbonate compounds are used in animal shells and bones

when the animals die the shells and bones settle at the bottom of the ocean

over millions of years sedimentary rocks form from these sediments

Order the statements to describe how carbon dioxide becomes 'locked up' in sedimentary rocks.

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.