In this unit, we will study one of the largest problems facing humankind: climate change. We will build on the respiration and photosynthesis topics you have studied previously. Life on Earth is dependent on photosynthesis in which green plants and algae trap light from the Sun to fix carbon dioxide and combine it with hydrogen from water to make organic compounds and oxygen. Carbon is recycled through natural processes in the atmosphere, ecosystems, oceans and the Earth’s crust as well as human activities (burning fuels). Greenhouse gases reduce the amount of energy lost from the Earth through radiation and therefore the temperature has been rising as the concentration of those gases has risen. Humans have had a dramatic effect on the environment since the industrial revolution. During this topic you will look at some of the ways in which we can reduce global warming in the future.
Use look, cover, write check to learn the answers to the core questions and the keywords for this topic
Task 2b: Make notes that:
Draw the carbon cycle.
Give equations for photosynthesis and respiration.
Explain the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion
Describe how human activities affect the carbon cycle.
Explain why the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising, and why this is an issue.
Task 2c: Carbon is present in a wide variety of compounds in the carbon cycle. Describe how carbon is cycled in the environment.
Task 3b: Make notes that:
Describe the composition of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Name the greenhouse gases.
Define global warming and climate change.
Describe how global warming can impact on climate and local weather patterns.
Explain how human activity may impact the levels of these gases.
Task 3c: Complete the progress quiz
Task 4c: Make notes that:
Describe how human activities have contributed to global warming and the impact on the Earth.
Name the 4 key human impacts.
Describe the wider implications of these activities.
Complete the table
Task 4d: Complete and mark the exam questions
Task 5c: Make notes that:
Describe a producer.
Describe how plankton can be used to reduce carbon emissions.
Explain the role of iron fertilisation in reducing carbon emissions.
Task 6a: Watch the video
Task 6b: Complete the BBC Bitesize revision for this unit
Task 6c: Complete the seneca tasks for this unit
Task 6d: Make a mind map or single page revision summary of this topic and add it to your revision folder
Complete the quiz for your set to make sure you understand this unit.
Extension Task: Apply your new knowledge to some past paper questions: