a gas that contributes to global warming by reducing the amount of radiation leaving Earth’s atmosphere

a type of electromagnetic radiation that we can feel as warmth on our skin

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

increase in Earth’s global temperature, likely caused by more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

Greenhouse gases

Combined science

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Evolution of Earth's atmosphere

Burning hydrocarbons

Atmospheric pollutants

Acid rain and chemical weathering

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 are greenhouse gases?

Which of the following human activities have led to increased levels of greenhouse gases?

How does the infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface differ from the infrared radiation emitted from the Sun?

emit infrared radiation in all directions

reflect infrared radiation in one direction

it maintains a warmer temperarure on Earth than there would be without it

it continuously increases Earth's temperature

Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect are correct?

What key term is used to describe an increase in Earth's average temperature?

Complete combustion occurs when a fuel burns in a limited supply of oxygen.

Complete combustion occurs when a fuel burns in a plentiful supply of oxygen.

The products are carbon dioxide and water.

The products are carbon monoxide and water.

Which of the following statements about complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels is correct?

Why is carbon dioxide considered an atmospheric pollutant?

Match the greenhouse gas to the correct molecular formula.

carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

methane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will increase

the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will remain the same

the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere decrease

What impact may deforestation have on the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

What key term is used to describe the number of waves that pass a point per second?

Greenhouse gases

Lesson outcome