Lesson Plan

Explore how we can adapt to weather changes

COP26S-02_01

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

  • Explore how adapt to weather changes as a result of climate change and what we can do to protect natural habitats and ecosystems at work
  • Describe how we can adapt to weather changes as a result of climate change and what we can do to protect natural habitats and ecosystems at work
  • Implement identified changes which can be made

Sustainability and Climate Change (Provisional Framework)

We will empower all young people to be global citizens, through a:

  • better understanding of climate change
  • greater connection to nature

National Curriculum

Subject content – Biology. Pupils should be taught about: 

  • Structure and function of living organisms
  • Interactions and interdependencies
  • Relationships in an ecosystem
  • How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials

Working Scientifically

  • Experimental skills and investigations
  • Make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; evaluate the reliability of methods and suggest possible improvements

Resources

Resources: Class presentation.

Handout: Activity sheet handout is built around the 7 low energy rules and asks the students what they would change about their homes or classrooms to incorporate them. They are to evaluate the function of the classroom or the home already and provide a concluding statement.

Rocket words

  • flood defences
  • infrastructure
  • low energy
  • Adaptation Action Coalition
  • adaptation communication

Implementation

Starter

Ask the pupils - Why is it important to build better flood defences and warning systems? Why do we need sturdy and strong buildings?

Answer: People around the world are already living with extreme weather that impacts their lives. This could mean flash flooding, fires and earthquakes. If the climate crisis gets worse, then the adverse weather will affect everyone.

Main Teaching

This session explores the effects that the changing climate has had on the weather. The lesson reflects on the need for plans and more finance to be put in place to improve early warning systems and flood defences and to build resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid further loss of life, livelihoods and natural habitats. The lesson also identifies 7 ‘low-energy’ scenarios that will help alter the path that the weather is on and prevent further need for adaptation.

Career Film: This is Cuebong Wong. Cuebong works as a Robotics Research Technologist for National Nuclear Laboratory.

Expert Film: This is Cuebong Wong. Cuebong works as a Robotics Research Technologist for National Nuclear Laboratory. Cuebong talks about using robotics in nuclear.

Mission Assignment

Ask the students to brainstorm how their school can build these 7 eco-friendly rules into their classroom and then present their findings. 

  • Using objects that can be powered by electric energy rather than non-renewable energy.
  • Making clear how much energy each household item (kettle, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.) uses.
  • Using less equipment as a better use of energy.
  • Sharing the items that we have, rather than everyone having their own.
  • Using energy-efficient systems like buses and electric cars to increase demand and lower costs.
  • Raising awareness of eco-conscious companies in order to make them more popular.
  • Making organisations work better to make them more eco-friendly.

Identify which of these rules your school performs well at and which could be improved. Rank them in order.

Challenge task: Ask the students to focus on the rule which could be improved. Ask them to write up an action-plan and go into detail of how this can be carried out. Evaluate the action plan. Is this achievable in the short term? Does it require additional or significant financing? Are extra materials needed that your class or school does not have?

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

Encourage the students to discuss any areas that they feel might have been missed by the 7 low energy scenarios. Is there anything that they do already?