KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit adds to pupils’ knowledge of the greenhouse effect, global warming and climate change. It uses the contexts of transport and industry to explore some medium- and large-scale actions that lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and how they can be delivered. Importantly, it develops understanding of why increasing the use of electric vehicles and electric heat pumps must be combined with an increased use of renewable energy resources for the generation of electricity, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport and buildings.

1. Greenhouse gases and global warming
2. Evidence for global warming
3. Impact of climate change on sea levels
4. Impacts of transport on the greenhouse effect
5. Reducing emissions from transport
6. Reducing emissions from industry
7. Using renewable energy resources

• Greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere cause the natural greenhouse effect.
• Human activities are increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect.
• Emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are causing global warming and climate change.
• Temperature data show an unusual, rapid increase in the Earth's average surface temperature over the last century or so.
• The recent increase in average surface temperature is called global warming.
• There is a correlation between data showing increasing temperature and data showing increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Most scientists agree that emissions from human activities are increasing the greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
• Renewable resources do not run out because they are replenished faster than they are used up.
• A resource is sustainable it is maintained a certain level for as long as it is needed.
• Some resources, such as wood, are only renewable if they are used sustainably.