Climate Change

Grade 5 · General Science

Semester 2 | Period 6 | Week 32

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Subject: General Science

Semester: 2

Period: 6

Week: 32

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: General science
Grade Level: Grade 5
Date: Week 32
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 32, Period 6
Topic: Climate Change
Sub-topic: Causes of Climate Change

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Identify natural causes of climate change.
  2. Identify human causes of climate change.
  3. Explain the role of greenhouse gases.
  4. Give local and global examples of climate change.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know that climate is the long-term weather condition of a place.

Instructional Materials
Charts on greenhouse gases, pictures of deforestation and volcanic eruptions, globe, video clips.

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher asks: Why do you think the earth feels hotter now than in the past?

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  1. Introduction and Brainstorming:
  • Teacher asks learners: “Why do you think the weather and seasons sometimes change in unusual ways?”
  • Learners brainstorm in groups and list possible causes of climate change.
  • Teacher writes learners’ responses on the board.
  1. Definition and Explanation:
  • Climate Change: A long-term change in the average weather patterns of a place. It can be caused by natural events or human activities.
  • Natural Causes:
    • Volcanic eruptions: release ash and gases that can change temperature.
    • Ocean currents: influence heat distribution and rainfall.
    • Solar activity: changes in the sun’s energy can affect climate.
  • Human Causes:
    • Burning fossil fuels: coal, oil, and gas release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
    • Deforestation: cutting down trees reduces oxygen and increases carbon dioxide.
    • Industrial emissions: factories release gases that trap heat.
  1. Greenhouse Gases:
  • Teacher explains: Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, making the Earth warmer.
  • Examples: carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O).
  • Learners discuss how these gases are produced in their communities (cars, fires, factories).
  1. Observation and Discussion Activity:
  • Learners observe pictures showing:
    • Volcanic eruptions (natural cause)
    • Tree cutting/deforestation (human cause)
    • Floods or unusually strong rainfall (effects of climate change)
  • Learners share personal or local experiences of unusual climate events such as unexpected heavy rains, heatwaves, or droughts.
  1. Practical Activity:
  • Carbon Footprint Simulation:
    • Learners identify activities at home or school that produce greenhouse gases (e.g., cooking with firewood, riding vehicles).
    • Teacher explains how these activities contribute to warming the Earth.
  1. Examples to Reinforce Learning:
  • Natural causes: volcanic eruption in Iceland changed rainfall patterns.
  • Human causes: cutting down trees in the community, cars emitting smoke.
  • Observable effects: floods, stronger storms, unusually hot days, droughts.

Assessment Checks:

  • Teacher asks:
    • “Name one natural cause of climate change.”
    • “Name one human cause of climate change.”
    • “What are greenhouse gases?”
    • “Give one example of unusual climate change you have observed locally.”
  • Learners identify causes and examples from pictures or their own observations.
  • Mini quiz: Match causes (volcano, car exhaust, deforestation) with type (natural or human).

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  • Climate Change: Long-term changes in average weather patterns of a place.
  • Natural Causes: Volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, solar activity.
  • Human Causes: Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial emissions.
  • Greenhouse Gases: Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to warming.
  • Observable Effects: Stronger rainfall, flooding, rising temperatures, heatwaves.
  • Key Idea: Both humans and natural events can cause climate change, and greenhouse gases play a major role in warming the Earth.

Homework/Assignment:

  • List 3 human activities in your community that contribute to climate change.
  • Identify 2 natural events that can affect the climate.
  • Draw a diagram showing how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Teacher reviews natural and human causes and explains the greenhouse effect. Learners give examples.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Learners answer: 1. State one natural cause. 2. State one human cause. 3. What are greenhouse gases? Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded): Learners should draw a diagram showing the greenhouse effect.

Follow-up Activity: Learners will ask parents about any changes in rainfall or temperature noticed in recent years.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Teacher uses visuals and real-life examples to support learners. Stronger learners may be asked to explain global examples of climate change.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low