Lesson Plan

Explore how to accelerate the phase-out of coal

COP26S-01_02

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

  • Explore how to accelerate the phase-out of coal
  • Describe how to accelerate the phase-out of coal
  • Identify the steps needed to implement to accelerate the phase-out of coal

Sustainability and Climate Change (Provisional Framework)

We have a valuable opportunity to drive change by introducing children and young people to more sustainable practices, such as:

  • the circular economy
  • waste prevention
  • resource efficiency

National Curriculum

Subject content – Biology. Pupils should be taught about:

  • Interactions and interdependencies; relationships in an ecosystem
  • how organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials

Working Scientifically

  • Analysis and evaluation
  • Interpreting observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions

Resources

Resources: Class presentation.

Handout: Activity sheet contains a format for pupils to design an anti-coal campaign and promote alternatives.

Rocket words

  • COP
  • emissions
  • coal
  • acid rain
  • Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

Implementation

Starter

Ask the pupils: what percentage of our electricity in 2020 was fuelled by coal? Let them consider this for a moment, taking different answers. Then, ask them what percentage of our electricity in 2015 was powered by coal. Discuss the increase or decrease depending on their answer.

Answer: In 2020 in the UK, coal contributed 1.6% of the country's electricity mix. That was down from 25% 5 years ago.

Main Teaching

This lesson explores the promises that each country must make as part of the Paris agreement and identifies coal power as a major source of emissions for every country. It explores the impact that coal has as a pollutant and invites pupils to play their part in the step away from using coal power.

Career Film: This is Christian Sellars. Christian works as a Research Technologist for National Nuclear Laboratory.

Expert Film: This is Christian Sellars. Christian works as a Research Technologist for National Nuclear Laboratory. Christian talks about where the energy you use comes from.

Mission Assignment

Ask the students: What steps can you take to support the phase-out of coal? 

Design an anti-coal campaign and promote alternatives. Consider the following areas to build your campaign:

  • Campaign name
  • Campaign motto
  • Campaign rules- How must your employees get to work, or do you employees work from home? Dress code?
  • Coal alternative to promote to the public
  • Design an event to campaign for change-
    • Protests
    • Fundraisers
    • Seminars (or E-seminars) with the public
    • Lectures to inform the public

Challenge task: Identify the areas in your life that use the most coal. Fill out a pie chart with your results. Write one sentence conclusion that summarises your highest area of use and next steps to reduce it.

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

Discuss and decide what coal alternatives are the best.