Generation Yes - 4 Steps to Net Zero Emissions - Year 10

Activity Introduction

Quick summary: Students explore pathways to net zero emissions by analysing key words relating to this topic and investigating the steps in depth. Students begin by demonstrating prior knowledge through responding to a range of words presented in a Generation Yes video about the steps to zero net emissions. Students are then asked to find these terms in this video. They will then work in groups to create a glossary of these terms, undertaking the research necessary to provide definitions for these terms. Students will then work in groups to examine the four steps to net zero emissions, and use an online calculator tool to choose the path to net zero emissions that they think is most fair and achievable.

genyes_logo_180px_v2 The Generation Yes project engages and represents the generation who are saying ‘YES’: yes we can work together to change climate change! This project seeks to help all Australians to be part of creating a compelling, optimistic and solutions-focused future for our country.

Learning intentions:

Students will be able to develop a glossary, and will be able to research the meanings behind key words in their glossary, creating their own definitions for these key words. They will then be able to communicate their research to the class.
Students will know the meaning of some of the key terms relating to climate change, deep decarbonisation and net zero emissions.
Students will know what the four steps to net zero emissions are and what actions can be taken to achieve these steps. They will be able to make recommendations about pathways to achieving these steps based on their own research and judgements.

21st century skills:

gen-y-glossary-skills

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions:

Year 10 Science

Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (ACSSU189)
People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities (ACSHE194)
Values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (ACSHE230)

Syllabus outcomes: SC5-12ES, SC5-13ES, SC5-11PW.

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Literacy.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.1, OI.6, OI.8.

Relevant parts of Year 10 Science achievement standards: Students describe and analyse interactions and cycles within and between Earth’s spheres.

Topic: Climate Change, Generation Yes.

Unit of work: Generation Yes.

Time required: 120 minutes.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee discussions, lead students in creating a glossary and investigating using an online calculator tool.

Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Device capable of presenting a website to the class. Glossary Words, Glossary Words – Answers. Glossary Assessment Rubric. Four steps to Net Zero Emission by 2050 – Step 1, Four steps to Net Zero Emission by 2050 – Step 2, Four steps to Net Zero Emission by 2050 – Step 3, Four steps to Net Zero Emission by 2050 – Step 4.

Digital technology opportunities: Online calculator tool (https://www.generationyes.com.au/calculator), Digital sharing capabilities.

Keywords: Generation Yes, climate change, net zero emissions, deep decarbonisation, four-step plan, glossary.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation

Learning intention: Students will understand deep decarbonisation and think about the actions required to achieve this.

Success criteria: Students will:

Be able to develop a glossary.
Be able to research the meanings behind key words and create their own definitions for these key words.
Be able to communicate their research to the class.
Know the meaning of some of the key terms relating to climate change, deep decarbonisation and net zero emissions.
Know what the four steps to net zero emissions and what actions can be taken to achieve these.

learning-intentions-tip-v2

Teacher content information: In 2015, leaders from around the world came together to discuss our climate future. This was the 21st meeting of this kind, and it was the one that finally resulted in an agreement. The message was clear: we must and will transition to a net zero emissions future.

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The international community has committed to holding global warming well below 2°C, with some suggesting we settin

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Student Worksheet

Thought starter: What does your climate future look like?

The four-step plan

The following clip explains the four-step plan to achieving net zero emissions. These steps have been developed to show how we can move to a point where we are producing no more emissions than we can absorb without causing major disruptions to sectors such as industry, manufacturing, transport and society.

Generation Yes: What's the plan? (https://youtu.be/IdC-v349ZEc)

Looking at the four steps in depth

In groups you will look at one of the four steps to net zero emissions.

These steps have been developed to show how we can move to a point where we are producing no more emissions than we can absorb without causing major disruptions to sectors such as industry, manufacturing, transport and society.

The step our group is looking at:

You will all need to read the information about the step you are looking at and then answer the following questions in relatio

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Activity: Generation Yes – 4 Steps to Net Zero Emissions – Year 10