Climate Change and Animals

In Climate Change & Animals, students will explore the impact of the changing climate on animals across the world through the lens of work carried out by ZSL's own scientists. Following a self-led investigation of real results collected by scientists in ZSL's Institute of Zoology, students are empowered to make a difference through a discussion of what they can do to reduce their impact. 

Objects from the natural world used in this session are loaned to us by HM Revenue and Customs.

Age Group: KS3 (11-14 years old)

Duration: 45-55mins

Capacity: 35 students

 

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Recall the science behind the greenhouse effect and give examples of how humans ‘enhance’ the greenhouse effect
• Discuss a selection of common myths surrounding climate change
• Give examples of the risks of climate change on animals, including humans    
• Give one example of a ZSL project that involves climate change research
• Understand what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint   

 

National Curriculum Links:

KS3 Biology	Working Scientifically	Scientific attitudes	Pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility. Understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas.
		Experimental skills and investigations	Ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience. Make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
		Analysis and evaluation	Interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions.
	Interations and interdependencies	Relationships in an ecosystem	How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials
	Genetics and evolution	Inheritance, chromosomes, DNA and genes	Changes in the environment may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete successfully and reproduce, which in turn may lead to extinction
KS3 Chemistry	Earth and atmosphere		Earth as a source of limited resources and the efficacy of recycling The composition of the atmosphere The production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate
KS3 Geography	Locational knowledge		Extend their locational knowledge and deepen their spatial awareness of the world’s countries using maps of the world
	Human and physical geography		Understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments and the climate; and how human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems

                                                   

Online Teaching Resources:

• Support your students' learning before, during or after a visit with our online teaching resources.