Starter quiz
- Isotopes are atoms of an element with the same number of protons, but a different number of which subatomic particles?
- protons
- electrons
- neutrons ✓
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- Which of the following are fossil fuels?
- coal ✓
- oil ✓
- natural gas ✓
- nuclear fuel
- sedimentary rocks
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- What word is used to describe a link between variables so that if one variable changes so does the other?
- casual link
- correlation ✓
- average
- gradient
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- Which of the following are ways humans can reduce their carbon dioxide emissions?
- walk or cycle where possible ✓
- use high energy light bulbs
- insulate our homes ✓
- heat our homes to a higher temperature
- turn off electrical appliances when not in use ✓
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- The combustion of fossil fuels releases which greenhouse gas into the atmosphere?
- carbon particulates
- sulfur dioxide
- carbon dioxide ✓
- magnesium oxide
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- Which of the following are reasons why humans combust fossil fuels?
- to decrease global warming
- for vehicles such as lorries, ships and aeroplanes ✓
- for cooking food ✓
- to improve renewable energy sources
- to generate electricity ✓
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Exit quiz
- Match the key term with the correct definition.
- carbon emissions⇔the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere ✓
- carbon footprint⇔the total amount of carbon dioxide that something emits in its life ✓
- uncertainty⇔some doubt over the reliability ✓
- correlation⇔a link between variables; if one variable changes so does the other ✓
What relationship does the graph show between the year and amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (ppm)?- a positive correlation ✓
- no correlation
- a negative correlation
- a casual link
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- What term do we give to an atom of an element with the same number of protons, but different mass number due to a different number of neutrons?
- 'isotope' ✓
- Based on the following carbon footprint data, which plastic bag should we use to reduce the increase in global temperatures?
- Plastic bag A releases 1.9kg of CO₂ during manufacture.
- Plastic bag B releases 1.8kg of CO₂ during manufacture.
- Plastic bag C releases 1.6kg of CO₂ during manufacture. ✓
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- Which of the following lead to uncertainties in the climate change data?
- rising sea levels alter the records
- the limited data from the great expanse of the oceans surface ✓
- the lack of historical data on carbon dioxide levels ✓
- the altitude of the weather station affects the temperature ✓
- carbon dioxide dissolving in the oceans
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- Which of the following technologies could be used to reduce the carbon footprint of a product?
- carbon capture and storage ✓
- carbon off-setting ✓
- combustion of fossil fuels
- using carbon-neutral fuels ✓
- deforestation
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Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Correlation between changing CO₂ concentration and consumption of fuels, and global temperature changes.
- Uncertainties caused by locations where measurements are taken.
- Historical accuracy of measurements should be evaluated.
- Carbon footprints are a way of measuring a person's, product's or organisation's impact on global carbon emissions.
- Fossil fuel derived CO₂ has a different isotopic composition than CO₂ from other sources.
Common misconception
Individual actions cannot affect global climate. Technology alone can solve climate issues.
Emphasise the impact of collective individual actions. Discuss the need for behavioural change alongside technological solutions.
Keywords
Correlation - Correlation is a link between variables so that if one variable changes so does the other. It can be a negative or positive correlation.
Uncertainties - If there are uncertainties in data, it means there may be some doubt over the reliability of the data.
Isotope - An isotope is an atom of an element with the same number of protons, but different mass number, due to a different number of neutrons.
Carbon emissions - Carbon emissions are the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, often through the combustion of fossil fuels.
Carbon footprint - Carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases that a person, product, organisation or event emits in its life cycle.