What carbon is (non-statutory)

I can explain that carbon is in many things and only some forms are harmful.

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Year 6

What carbon is (non-statutory)

I can explain that carbon is in many things and only some forms are harmful.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Diamonds and the graphite used in pencil leads are both made of carbon, and these forms are harmless.
Carbon is in the fossil fuels natural gas, crude oil and coal.
Carbon dioxide is not dangerous; it is in the air we breathe and we add it to fizzy drinks.
Carbon is in carbon dioxide gas, which is produced when we burn fossil fuels.
Carbon dioxide is causing problems as it builds up to high levels in a greenhouse gas 'blanket' around Earth.

Keywords

Carbon - Carbon is a substance which can be found in many different materials and all living things.
Fossil fuel - 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.
Carbon dioxide - Carbon dioxide is a type of gas.
Burn - When something burns, it is on fire.
Greenhouse gases - Gases which contribute towards global warming are called greenhouse gases.

Common misconception

Pupils may think that carbon dioxide is inherently harmful due to the way information about climate change is often presented.

Explain that carbon dioxide is not necessarily harmful; it is in the air we breathe and it is vital for the survival of plants. It can, however, become problematic as levels in the atmosphere increase and cause a warming effect.

Pupils could be given some tangible experience of carbon dioxide gas by showing them a bottle of fizzy drink. As some is poured out, they will be able to see the carbon dioxide bubbles. Pupils will also be able to hear the hissing sound made by carbon dioxide escaping when the bottle is opened.

Teacher tip

Equipment

None required.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).