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Planet Earth

What makes life on Earth unique – and how is it changing?

Project page

Our Place in Space

Ages

7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11

Topic

Sustainability and our future Identity and diversity The solar system and beyond

Format

Lesson plan

Duration

60 minutes

This themed series of three standalone lesson plans, presented on a free downloadable PDF, explores different aspects of life on Earth.

  • Lesson 1: Overview of Planet Earth explores what makes our planet unique: its properties, its seasons and its place in the universe.
  • Lesson 2: Climate Change provides an overview of how climate change is affecting animals, the environment and ourselves here on Earth.
  • Lesson 3: Pollution discusses the causes and effects of pollution, introducing such key topics as recycling, reducing and reusing.

The PDF features illustrations by Oliver Jeffers, the acclaimed children’s author and artist, and contains several films that introduce key topics. The lesson plans contain plenty of prompts for discussions and creative activities inspired by these themes – making a film, coding a game, creating a photo collage and much more.

Lesson plan

Download here

Curriculum links

England:
Science: Working Scientifically, Earth and Space Y5.
Key Stage: KS2

Northern Ireland:
The World Around Us: Place – Our Place in the Universe
Key Stage: KS2

Scotland:
Sciences: Planet Earth - Space
Level: Second Level

Wales:
Science and Technology: Being Curious, Matter.
Progression Step: PS3