Year 8 Geography Course: Climate Change
Course Overview
This course explores the concept of climate change, its causes, effects, and solutions. Students will engage with geographical concepts and skills to understand how climate change impacts the environment, society, and economies. Additionally, students will discuss the importance of sustainability and develop critical thinking skills related to climatic issues.
Course Structure
The course consists of 10 lessons, structured into two modules. Each lesson will engage students in discussions, activities, and assessments to deepen their understanding of climate change.
Module 1: Understanding Climate Change
Lesson 1: Introduction to Climate Change
- Objective: Define climate change and differentiate it from weather.
- Activities:
- Group discussion on weather vs. climate.
- Watch a short documentary on climate change.
- Assessment: Quiz on definitions and key concepts.
Lesson 2: Causes of Climate Change
- Objective: Identify natural and human-induced causes of climate change.
- Activities:
- Research assignment on greenhouse gases and deforestation.
- Class presentations.
- Assessment: Written report summarizing findings.
Lesson 3: Effects of Climate Change on the Environment
- Objective: Examine the environmental impacts of climate change.
- Activities:
- Case studies on coral bleaching and melting glaciers.
- Map analysis of affected regions.
- Assessment: Group project creating a visual representation of impacts.
Lesson 4: Effects of Climate Change on Human Populations
- Objective: Identify how climate change affects communities and economies.
- Activities:
- Role-playing scenarios for impacted regions.
- Discussion on climate refugees.
- Assessment: Reflective journal entry on personal perspectives.
Lesson 5: Climate Change and Biodiversity
- Objective: Understand how climate change threatens biodiversity.
- Activities:
- Research on endangered species due to climate changes.
- Create a habitat restoration plan.
- Assessment: Presentation on selected endangered species.
Module 2: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
Lesson 6: Global Responses to Climate Change
- Objective: Explore international agreements and policies addressing climate change.
- Activities:
- Research the Paris Agreement and its implications.
- Class debate on the effectiveness of global responses.
- Assessment: Position paper on a global policy.
Lesson 7: Renewable Energy and Sustainability
- Objective: Identify renewable energy sources as solutions to climate change.
- Activities:
- Guest speaker from a local renewable energy company.
- Create a poster promoting renewable energy.
- Assessment: Evaluate a renewable energy project proposal.
Lesson 8: Local Actions Against Climate Change
- Objective: Understand the role of local communities in combating climate change.
- Activities:
- Identify local initiatives addressing climate change.
- Field trip to a local sustainability project.
- Assessment: Group proposal for a new local initiative.
Lesson 9: Climate Change Communication
- Objective: Develop skills to effectively communicate climate change issues.
- Activities:
- Workshops on persuasive communication and media literacy.
- Create a public service announcement (PSA) on climate change.
- Assessment: Present the PSA to the class.
Lesson 10: Reflection and Action Plan
- Objective: Reflect on lessons learned and create personal action plans.
- Activities:
- Class discussion on personal experiences with climate change.
- Develop an individual action plan for reducing one’s carbon footprint.
- Assessment: Submission of action plan and self-reflection.
Conclusion
This course aims to empower Year 8 students with knowledge about climate change, its risks, and the actions required to address this global challenge. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of climate change, equipping them to be informed and active citizens.