KS2 Climate and the carbon cycle

This introductory lesson looks at the scientific processes and concepts of the carbon cycle.

This will enable students to grow prior knowledge of food chains and feeding relationships to understanding the drivers of environmental change.

The lesson starts with an introduction to what carbon is, followed by a scaffolded understanding of the carbon cycle, reinforced by a fun activity.

The lesson will close by analysing how an imbalance in the carbon cycle is leading to increased carbon in the atmosphere, which is driving the climate crisis.

An interactive carbon cycle diagram complements the lesson.

Learning outcomes

• List where carbon can be found
• Describe four basic processes of the carbon cycle
• Demonstrate their understanding of carbon stores and movement between them
• Link increasing carbon levels in the atmosphere with climate change