Year 11 - Science
Human activity and climate change
Atmosphere and changing climate
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth's atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to evaluate evidence for human activity causing climate change.
Key Notes
- There is a correlation between increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide and a rising average global temperature.
- Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide have been caused by human activity.
- Overwhelming evidence shows human activity is responsible for the rapid global warming of the last 200 years.
- Global warming measurements and conclusions are reliable despite some unavoidable uncertainty in measured values.
- Carbon footprints measure the annual greenhouse gas emissions of individuals, industry and nations.
Vocabulary To Learn
- average global temperature: the average of all the temperatures across the world over a year
- atmospheric CO₂: carbon dioxide that is in the atmosphere
- uncertainty: the biggest possible difference between a measured value and the true value of the quantity being measured
- reliability: the certainty with which a measurement or conclusion will remain the same when it is checked
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- As individuals we are helpless in combatting climate change. Technology alone can solve climate issues.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
There is a correlation between increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide and a rising average global temperature. Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide have been caused by human activity.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'average global temperature'
the average of all the temperatures across the world over a year. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: As individuals we are helpless in combatting climate change. Technology alone can solve climate issues. Correction: Emphasise the impact of collective individual actions, especially in supporting national and international actions (including legislation) that cause appropriate change.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Acid rain and chemical weathering Study Guide
- Atmospheric pollutants Study Guide
- Burning hydrocarbons Study Guide
- Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Study Guide
- Earth's atmosphere Study Guide
- Earth's atmosphere (approximate values) Study Guide
- Evolution of Earth's atmosphere Study Guide
- Global climate change and the effects Study Guide
- Greenhouse gases Study Guide
- Ozone layer: a story of global success Study Guide
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