AQA GCSE Combined Science Chemistry: Using the Earth's Resources and Sustainable Development

This PowerPoint resource is a complete and engaging lesson on “Using the Earth’s Resources and Sustainable Development” for the AQA GCSE Combined Science Chemistry specification. It introduces students to the concepts of finite and renewable resources, how humans use the Earth’s natural materials, and how sustainable development can ensure these resources are available for future generations. The lesson also explores how chemistry contributes to sustainability by developing synthetic alternatives and cleaner technologies.

The resource begins with a clear starter activity that revises key prior knowledge, including carbon footprints, fossil fuels, and changes in Earth’s atmosphere. It then moves into detailed explanations and tasks focused on natural resource use, the distinction between renewable and finite resources, and the role of chemistry in creating sustainable solutions. Students are encouraged to categorise resources, analyse graphs, and work with real-world data, including orders of magnitude calculations based on lithium reserve statistics—developing both subject knowledge and numeracy skills.

The PowerPoint includes multiple discussion prompts, structured tasks, and challenge questions that are ideal for classwork, homework, or assessment preparation. Real-world contexts like fossil fuel use, synthetic fibres, and global demand for lithium make the topic relevant and up to date. This resource was last updated in June 2025 to ensure alignment with current examples and the most recent AQA specification.

Designed specifically for the AQA GCSE Combined Science Chemistry, this PowerPoint file (.pptx) is ready to use in class or to support blended learning and revision. Key terms include sustainability, finite resources, renewable energy, fossil fuels, synthetic materials, and carbon footprint.