Climate Change Teaching: 5 Methods to use in Primary School and KS3

Even for adults, climate change can feel like a huge and complex topic. But for primary and KS3 pupils, it doesn’t need to feel frightening or abstract. When taught carefully, climate education can build scientific and geographical understanding and an important sense of agency.

Here are five practical, curriculum-linked ways to approach climate change in your classroom.

1. Start with the Scientific Foundations

Before discussing global warming, ensure pupils understand the basic science behind it.

In primary school, focus on:

• States of matter
• The Sun as a source of energy
• Simple ideas about heat and temperature

At KS3, you can explore:

• The greenhouse effect
• Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
• Energy transfer and radiation

You might demonstrate the greenhouse effect using two clear containers, one covered and one uncovered, placed under a lamp. Measuring temperature changes helps pupils see how trapped heat works in a controlled and manageable way. Looking at climate change in this scientifically grounded way helps remove mystery and lets students understand the basics before they move on to anything more complicated. Using a method like this is also helpful in tackling misconceptions. 

2. Use Real-World Geography

Climate change gains a tangible meaning when pupils can see how it connects to places and people.

In geography lessons, explore:

• The differences between weather and climate
• Climate zones
• How rising sea levels affect coastal settlements
• Drought and extreme weather patterns

You could examine how low-lying countries such as Bangladesh face flooding challenges, or look at melting Arctic sea ice and its impact on ecosystems.

Mapping activities can work particularly well here; for example, ask your pupils to identify areas most vulnerable to rising sea levels and consider why some communities are more affected than others. This gives you a natural link to discussions about sustainability and global responsibility.

3. Focus on Solutions (Not Just Problems)

A common concern when teaching climate change is eco-anxiety. One of the most effective ways to avoid this is to balance problems with solutions.

Teach pupils about:

• Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro
• Reforestation projects
• Sustainable transport
• Innovations in green technology

You could explore large-scale renewable projects in the UK or discuss global agreements like the United Nations climate initiatives.

In science or design and technology, challenge pupils to design a ‘net zero school’ or build a model wind turbine. This allows them to problem-solve, helping create optimism and creativity.

4. Make It Practical and Local

Climate change can feel distant. Bringing it into pupils’ everyday lives makes learning more concrete.

Consider:

• Conducting an energy audit of the classroom
• Measuring how much waste the class produces in a week
• Investigating local flood prevention measures
• Planting trees or creating a biodiversity area in school grounds

If possible, link learning to your local area. Coastal schools might examine sea defences, while rural schools could look at farming and changing weather patterns.

This approach reinforces that climate action is not just global; it affects people locally, too. 

5. Encourage Critical Thinking and Discussion

Climate change is not only a scientific issue but also a social, economic and political one. KS3 pupils in particular may benefit from structured discussion.

You might:

• Analyse graphs showing rising global temperatures
• Interpret carbon emissions data
• Debate different energy strategies
• Explore how international agreements aim to limit warming

Encourage pupils to ask questions about sources of information. Where does the data come from? Why might different groups have different perspectives?

This develops analytical skills while supporting curriculum goals in science and geography.

To support your teaching on climate change, you can find hundreds of lesson plans, presentations, downloadable content and more on the Developing Experts platform. You can access these with a free two-week trial - sign up today at www.developingexperts.com.