What carbon is (non-statutory)
I can explain that carbon is in many things and only some forms are harmful.
What carbon is (non-statutory)
I can explain that carbon is in many things and only some forms are harmful.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Diamonds and the graphite used in pencil leads are both made of carbon, and these forms are harmless.
- Carbon is in the fossil fuels natural gas, crude oil and coal.
- Carbon dioxide is not dangerous; it is in the air we breathe and we add it to fizzy drinks.
- Carbon is in carbon dioxide gas, which is produced when we burn fossil fuels.
- Carbon dioxide is causing problems as it builds up to high levels in a greenhouse gas 'blanket' around Earth.
Keywords
Carbon - Carbon is a substance which can be found in many different materials and all living things.
Fossil fuel - A fossil fuel is a natural fuel formed from the remains of living things over millions of years, such as coal, crude oil or natural gas.
Carbon dioxide - Carbon dioxide is a type of gas.
Burn - When something burns, it is on fire.
Greenhouse gases - Gases which contribute towards global warming are called greenhouse gases.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that carbon dioxide is inherently harmful due to the way information about climate change is often presented.
Explain that carbon dioxide is not necessarily harmful; it is in the air we breathe and it is vital for the survival of plants. It can, however, become problematic as levels in the atmosphere increase and cause a warming effect.
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: What carbon is (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: What carbon is (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Climate change and sustainability (non-statutory) unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
None required.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
gas
liquid
solid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
