Earth's Atmosphere & CO2
Describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere (mainly nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of CO₂ and other gases), explain how human activity increases CO₂, and describe the impact on global climate
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Earth's Atmosphere & CO2 means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- Two everyday materials (e.g. ice cube / warm water / salt / spoon)
- Clear cup and paper for notes
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Ice melts in the warm cup: solid → liquid. Heat caused the change.
Optional challenge. For Earth's Atmosphere & CO2, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Earth's Atmosphere & CO2, not mastery.
Share and support
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceEarth's Atmosphere & CO2 practice
Practice key ideas from Earth's Atmosphere & CO2.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
States of Matter: Basics
Before you open · source notes
States of Matter: Basics supports hands-on exploration for Earth's Atmosphere & CO2. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “States of Matter: Basics.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- States the approximate percentages of nitrogen, oxygen, CO₂, and argon in the atmosphere
- Explains how burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase atmospheric CO₂
- Describes the greenhouse effect and how it leads to climate change
- Discusses one specific consequence of climate change (e.g. rising sea levels, extreme weather)
“If your child was asked why scientists are worried about CO₂ levels rising, could they explain what CO₂ does in the atmosphere, why human activities produce more of it, and what effects it's having on the planet?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 12–14
Standards