Climate Impact on Animals

Subject Title: Geography

Strand: Human Environment

Strand Units:

• People living in the environment
• Environmental awareness and care

Learning Outcomes/Content Objectives:

• Students will explore the concept of climate change and understand its effects on animals and their habitats.
• Students will learn how human activities contribute to climate change.
• Students will identify ways to help animals adapt to changing climates.

Learning Objectives:

• The child should be enabled to:
  1. Describe what climate change is and its impact on animals.
  2. Identify at least two actions humans can take to help reduce climate change's effects on animals.

Assessment Section:

• Method of Assessment: Observational assessment during class discussions and activities, plus a follow-up quiz after the lesson.
• Assessment of: Participation in discussions and ability to articulate understanding of climate change and its impact on animals.
• Where Assessment Will Be Recorded: Teacher's notes for observations, quiz results to be recorded in the learning management system.

Teaching Questioning:

• Lower Order Questions:

  • I: What animals do you think are affected by climate change?
  • D: Can someone give me an example of how a specific animal is affected?

• Higher Order Questions:

  • D: Why do you think humans should care about animals affected by climate change?
  • C: How can we convince others to help reduce climate change for animals?

Language Development Opportunities:

• Vocabulary related to climate change, habitats, and conservation will be introduced and practiced throughout the lesson.

Literacy Development Opportunities:

• Students will engage in reading short articles about climate change and its impact on animals, developing their comprehension skills.

Body of the Lesson:

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Stimulus: Begin with a short, engaging video (2-3 minutes) showcasing animals in different habitats and the challenges they face due to climate change.
• Eliciting Prior Knowledge:
  • Ask students, "What do you think they are feeling or experiencing? Why?"
  • Use think-pair-share strategy for students to discuss with a partner.
• WALT (We Are Learning To): Understand how climate change affects animals.
• WILF (What I’m Looking For): The ability to name at least one way climate change impacts animals.

Development (30 minutes)

• Step 1: Teacher will introduce the concept of climate change using a PowerPoint presentation (5 minutes).

  • Show images of melting ice caps, changing forests, and affected animals.

• Step 2: Group Activity (15 minutes)

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Each group will receive a picture of an animal and a brief description of its habitat.
  • They will discuss how climate change affects that animal and brainstorm potential climate solutions (e.g., recycling).

• Step 3: Sharing and Discussion (10 minutes)

  • Groups will present their findings to the class.
  • Teacher will facilitate a discussion, using higher order questioning to encourage deeper thinking.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Cognitive Piece: Quick recap on key points discussed.
• Social Points: Allow students to express their thoughts on why protecting animals is important.
• Transition Activity: Reflect on WALT & WILF by asking students to think of one action they can take to help animals affected by climate change.
• Questions for Reflection:
  • What was one thing you learned today?
  • Why do you think it's important to help animals cope with climate change?

UDL Section

Pupil	Reason	Method	Additional Comments
12 (ASD)	Needs structure	Visual aids	Use clear visuals and routine steps.
23 (Dyslexia)	Reading difficulties	Simplified text	Provide colour-coded texts.
25 & 26 (EAL)	Language barriers	Peer support	Partner with fluent peers for discussions.
4 (Hearing Impaired)	Needs visual cues	Use captions and sign language	Ensure seats are positioned for good lip reading.
24, 9, 17 (High Ability Maths)	Advanced thinking	Extension tasks	Assign additional research on endangered species.
22 (Lower Ability)	Needs extra support	Group work	Ensure group sizes are small for individual attention.
15 (Social & Emotional)	Emotional support	Pair with supportive peer	Use positive reinforcement and encouragement.

Learning Environment

• Classroom set up for group work, with desks arranged in clusters.
• Interactive whiteboard (IWB) for PowerPoint presentations and videos.
• Quiet corner for students needing a break.

Resources/Materials Needed

• Short video on climate change and its effects on animals.
• PowerPoint presentation on climate change.
• Pictures of various animals and habitat descriptions.
• Printed articles for literacy activities.
• Quiz materials for assessment.

This lesson plan aims to engage students in understanding climate change’s impact on animals while promoting critical thinking, collaborative learning, and environmental awareness.