Climate Change: Protecting Our Planet

Science Grades 5th Grade 5:00 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson helps students understand climate change, its causes, effects, and solutions, empowering them to take action for a healthier planet.

Video Resource

Climate Change - The environment for Kids (Updated Version)

Smile and Learn - English

Duration: 5:00
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Climate vs. Weather
  • Global Warming & Greenhouse Effect
  • Causes and Effects of Climate Change
  • Solutions to Climate Change

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define climate change and differentiate it from weather.
  • Students will be able to explain the greenhouse effect and its role in global warming.
  • Students will be able to identify the main causes and effects of climate change.
  • Students will be able to list and describe several solutions to mitigate climate change.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about climate change. Write their ideas on the board. Introduce the Smile and Learn video: 'Climate Change - The environment for Kids (Updated Version)'. Explain that they will learn about the science behind climate change and what they can do to help.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the video for the students. Encourage them to take notes on key terms and concepts.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, facilitate a class discussion using the discussion questions provided. Encourage students to share their thoughts and ask questions.
  • Interactive Activity: Solutions Brainstorm (15 mins)
    Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group one of the solutions mentioned in the video (renewable energy, public transport, reducing plastic, planting trees, recycling, saving energy). Have each group brainstorm specific actions individuals and communities can take to implement their assigned solution. Groups will then share their ideas with the class.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson. Reiterate the importance of individual and collective action in addressing climate change.

Interactive Exercises

  • Carbon Footprint Calculator
    Have students use an online carbon footprint calculator (many free versions are available) to estimate their personal carbon footprint. Then, have them brainstorm ways to reduce their footprint. Discuss as a class.
  • Create a Public Service Announcement
    Students work in small groups to create a short PSA (poster, skit, song, etc.) about one aspect of climate change or a solution to it. These can be shared with the school or community.

Discussion Questions

  • What is the difference between climate and weather?
  • What are greenhouse gases, and how do they affect the Earth's temperature?
  • What are some of the negative impacts of climate change?
  • What are some things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment and help slow down climate change?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication
  • Collaboration

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is climate?

Correct Answer: The average weather conditions in a place over a long time

Question 2:

What is the main cause of global warming?

Correct Answer: Human activity

Question 3:

Which of these is a greenhouse gas?

Correct Answer: Carbon Dioxide

Question 4:

What happens when the Earth's temperature rises?

Correct Answer: Sea levels rise

Question 5:

Which of these is NOT a way to help the planet?

Correct Answer: Using lots of plastic

Question 6:

What kind of energy doesn't produce CO2 emissions?

Correct Answer: Renewable energy

Question 7:

What percentage of CO2 emission are cars responsible for?

Correct Answer: 10 percent

Question 8:

What can five trees absorb in their lifetime?

Correct Answer: One metric ton

Question 9:

How much did the average global temperature rise in the past 150 years?

Correct Answer: 2 degrees Fahrenheit

Question 10:

What can you do to help save the planet?

Correct Answer: Use renewable energy

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The increase in Earth's temperature is called ______ ______.

Correct Answer: global warming

Question 2:

_______ are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat.

Correct Answer: Greenhouse gases

Question 3:

Burning _______ _______ releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Correct Answer: fossil fuels

Question 4:

Using _______ _______, like wind and solar power, can help reduce carbon emissions.

Correct Answer: renewable energy

Question 5:

_______ materials helps conserve resources and energy.

Correct Answer: Recycling

Question 6:

The average global temperature increased almost ____ degrees fahrenheit in the past 150 years.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 7:

Cars are responsible for _____ percent of CO2 emissions.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 8:

Five trees can absorb up to one _____ of CO2 during their life cycle.

Correct Answer: ton

Question 9:

It's important to always _____ when they are not needed.

Correct Answer: Turn off the lights

Question 10:

Climate change affects every ______ in the world.

Correct Answer: country

Educational Standards

5.ESS3.1:Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments. 5.ESS2.1:Develop a model to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. 5.LS2.2:Use models to explain factors that upset the stability to local ecosystems.

Teaching Materials

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