The Earth’s climate is changing, and human activity is the main cause. In Greenhouse Glade, Year 6 scientists learn how heat is trapped around the planet, what that means for living things, and how the choices people make can help.
What your child will learn
- Tell weather (day to day) from climate (the long-term pattern)
- Explain how greenhouse gases warm the Earth
- Describe effects of climate change, such as melting ice and rising seas
- Suggest ways to live more sustainably
A blanket around the Earth
Gases such as carbon dioxide act like a blanket, trapping some of the Sun’s heat. That is natural and keeps the Earth warm enough for life — but burning coal, oil and gas adds more of these gases, thickening the blanket. Forests help by absorbing carbon dioxide, which is one reason cutting them down matters.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. What do trees take in from the air as they grow?
🌳- Smoke only
- Dust
- Nothing
- Carbon dioxide
Show answer
Answer: Carbon dioxide. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and store the carbon in their wood.
2. Which of these helps to reduce air pollution?
🚲- Using more electricity
- Leaving a car engine running
- Burning rubbish
- Walking or cycling short journeys
Show answer
Answer: Walking or cycling short journeys. Walking and cycling burn no fuel.
3. What does “conservation” mean?
- Building more roads
- Using things only once
- Protecting nature and wildlife
- Talking politely
Show answer
Answer: Protecting nature and wildlife. Conservation looks after habitats and the living things in them.
Tips for grown-ups
- Work out one journey a week that could be walked or cycled.
- Look for the energy rating on appliances at home.
- Find out about an endangered animal and what is being done to protect it.