Spheres of Impact - Litter vs Earth’s Spheres

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• critical thinking
• collaboration
• communication
• community engagement

Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description:

Year 9, Science

• Students learn to represent the carbon cycle and examine how key processes, including combustion, photosynthesis and respiration, rely on interactions between Earth’s spheres (the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) (AC9S9U03).

Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards: Students can explain how interactions within and between Earth’s spheres affect the carbon cycle.

NSW Syllabus outcomes:

(Current) A student:

• explains how scientific knowledge about global patterns of geological activity and interactions involving global systems can be used to inform decisions related to contemporary issues (SC5-13ES)

(New) A student:

• Analyses the impact of human activity on the natural world (SC5-ENV-01)

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability 

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – Teachers facilitate discussions, guide rotations, support research, and assist campaign planning. While students work collaboratively, teachers prompt critical thinking, ensure scientific accuracy, and maintain group focus.

UN SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

• Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

• A3 paper
• Visual Explainer
• Clean Up Australia Litter Prevention Plan
• Device capable of displaying audiovisual material
• Student devices for research
• Student Worksheet

After completing this lesson plan, your school may like to take part in a Clean Up, which can take place on Schools Clean Up Day or any day that suits your school. As part of the Clean Up, asking your class to complete the Litter Report, which is included in your kit materials, will contribute greatly to Clean Up Australia’s data collection efforts. You’ll be joining thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference and creating positive environmental change. For more information on how you can get involved, download The Clean Up Australia Educator's Guide here.

Students, Schools and Eco-Anxiety: Teaching and Learning for Eco-Optimism

Quick Summary: This aligns with our carbon cycle lesson, where students explore how Earth’s systems interact through key processes like combustion and photosynthesis. This PL supports you in guiding students beyond the science, helping them connect the dots between knowledge, systems thinking, and meaningful action.