New
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Evidence of the Anthropocene
I can describe and evaluate key evidence that shows how humans have altered Earth's systems.
Lesson 2 of 14
New
New
- Year 9
Evidence of the Anthropocene
I can describe and evaluate key evidence that shows how humans have altered Earth's systems.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Atmospheric CO₂ levels have risen steeply since the industrial revolution.
- Ice core data shows a sharp increase in greenhouse gases linked to human activity.
- Biodiversity loss is happening faster than natural extinction rates.
- Plastics and radioactive elements form geological markers of human impact.
- Land cover change is visible from satellites and historical maps.
Keywords
CO₂ concentration - the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at a given time, measured in parts per million (ppm)
Ice core - long cylinders of ice drilled from glaciers or ice sheets
Biodiversity - the variety of living things in an ecosystem or area
Geological marker - something found in layers of Earth (like rock, ice, or mud) that shows a big change in the planet's history
Land cover - the physical material at the surface of Earth
Common misconception
Microplastics are only found in the ocean.
Microplastics are found in the ocean, soil, rock and animals.
Get students to look out the window and ask what evidence they can see of human impact on the environment.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the Anthropocene?
What is the Anthropocene?
A new species of human
A part of Earth's core
A type of ecosystem
Q2.Which part of Earth is made up of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Which part of Earth is made up of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Q3.What is included in the hydrosphere?
What is included in the hydrosphere?
Rocks and mountains
Plants and animals
Earth's magnetic field
Q4.The geosphere includes which of the following?
The geosphere includes which of the following?
Fish and coral reefs
Rainforests and savannahs
Clouds and storms
Q5.What does the biosphere refer to?
What does the biosphere refer to?
The sun and stars
Air and wind
Lava and magma
Q6.Which of these is one of the main ways humans have changed the atmosphere?
Which of these is one of the main ways humans have changed the atmosphere?
Removing all oxygen
Creating more earthquakes
Making rivers longer
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords and their definitions.
Match the keywords and their definitions.
Q2.What has happened to atmospheric CO₂ levels since the industrial revolution?
What has happened to atmospheric CO₂ levels since the industrial revolution?
They have stayed about the same
They have slightly decreased
They have disappeared altogether
Q3.Which of the following is evidence of biodiversity loss during the Anthropocene?
Which of the following is evidence of biodiversity loss during the Anthropocene?
Volcanoes erupting
More natural extinctions than ever
More species being created
Q4.What do scientists use to describe changes in Earth’s layers caused by humans?
What do scientists use to describe changes in Earth’s layers caused by humans?
Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Tides
