Carbon is a substance which can be found in many different materials and all living things.

A fossil fuel is a natural fuel formed from the remains of living things over millions of years, such as coal, crude oil or natural gas.

Gases which contribute towards global warming are called greenhouse gases.

What carbon is (non-statutory)

Science

Pupils learn about the properties of the different states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) in terms of the particle model, including gas pressure,. and about changes of state in terms of the particle model

pupils use knowledge of solids, liquids and gases to decide how mixtures might be separated give reasons, based on evidence from comparative and fair tests, demonstrate that changes of state are reversible changes, and explain that some changes result in the formation of new materials, and that this kind of change is not usually reversible, including changes associated with burning 

Climate change and sustainability (non-statutory)

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Graphite and diamonds are made of a substance called {{}}, which is also found in many other materials.

Fossil {{}} contain carbon, as they are made from the remains of living things.

When fossil fuels are burned, many substances are produced, including…

Carbon dioxide is in the air all around us.

Carbon dioxide is always harmful to living things.

Carbon dioxide gas is used to make bubbles in fizzy drinks.

Carbon dioxide is used by plants to make food.

Which statement about carbon dioxide is incorrect?

because it can increase global temperatures 

because carbon dioxide is poisonous to living things

because it makes the air smoky and hard to breathe 

Why do increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause problems?

Gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global temperatures to increase are called {{}} gases.

If something is harmful it means it can…

Match the substance to the correct state of matter.

Coal, natural gas and crude oil are examples of {{}} fuels.

Fossil fuels are fuels that have been formed over millions of years from…

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

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

What carbon is (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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