5. Chemistry: Earth and atmospheric science

Subject: Chemistry

Resource type: Lesson

Skills: Staying Positive, Teamwork

Click to download the resource

The Green Moo-vement: In this activity, students assume the role of business consultants working for a large accountancy firm, and produce a 5-step sustainability plan to improve a struggling dairy farm business. Access our comprehensive resource package, including detailed teacher notes, PowerPoint, student worksheet and answer sheet. Adapt to your classroom’s needs for a dynamic learning experience.

Scenario

Sam, a dairy farmer, has recently been losing money as a main supermarket client has started to buy from other farms that are promoting themselves as ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ and ‘environmentally friendly’.

Sam has approached a business consultant for advice on how to improve his business. Produce a 5-step sustainability plan to report to the supermarket, the report will potentially help save his farm from bankruptcy.

Learning Aim

To describe the consequences of human activity on the Earth’s atmosphere and suggest solutions to reduce the impact.

Skills Builder Links

Staying positive step 7
I look for opportunities in difficult situations.

Teamwork step 7
I contribute to group decision making, whilst recognising the value of others’ ideas.

Curriculum Table

England: The national curriculum (England)	Chemistry – Earth and atmospheric science Pupils should be taught about the potential effects of, and mitigation of, increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane on the Earth’s climate.
Scotland: The National 5 Business Management	Biology – photosynthesis Limiting factors: carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity and temperature and their impact on photosynthesis and plant growth. Analysis of limiting factors graphs.
Wales: WJEC GCSE in business specification	Chemistry – the ever-changing Earth Learners should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of the environmental effects and consequences of the emission of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels.