Link it! Prior knowledge - Climate Change - Year 6

When embarking on the topic of climate change with Year 6 students, it's essential to tap into their existing understanding and experiences. Initially, educators should engage with the students to gauge their familiarity with the terms 'climate change' and 'global warming', encouraging them to share their perceptions of these concepts. It's likely that these young learners have previously encountered discussions about various climate conditions, perhaps through studies of different biomes or through geographical comparisons, such as contrasting the UK's climate with that of the Mediterranean. Additionally, their scientific explorations may have included practical experiments, like observing the melting of ice, which can serve as a tangible introduction to the effects of global warming.

Understanding climate change is a crucial educational goal due to its far-reaching impact on our planet and future. To effectively link this new learning with what children already know, educators should encourage students to document their pre-existing knowledge in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser. This process not only helps to build a bridge between what they've learned in the same subject area but also allows them to connect insights from other subjects, such as science experiments, to this global issue. Moreover, drawing from personal experiences and observations can make the concept of climate change more relatable and easier to comprehend for the students. By acknowledging and building upon these connections, educators can foster a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding of climate change among their pupils.