Science Matter & Materialsusually ages 12–14

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

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

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)

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Try this together

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?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Greenhouse Gas Scienceages 11–12KS3 atmospheric composition and CO2 climate role anchors the deeper radiation physics of why CO2 specifically traps heat

The Carbon Cycleages 12–13Atmospheric CO₂ and climate change connects to the carbon cycle already covered in Ecosystems & Habitats

Earth's Atmosphere & CO2this skill · ages 12–14

Unlocks

Finite Resources & Recyclingages 12–14Recycling as a solution links to reducing CO₂ emissions from mining and smelting

Renewable vs non-renewable energyages 12–14Evaluating fossil fuels vs renewables links directly to atmospheric CO₂, climate change, and resource depletion

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

This skill sits beyond Year 6 in the Australian Curriculum, so no F–6 code is matched. It also sits beyond the NSW K–6 syllabuses. It also sits beyond Level 6 in the Victorian Curriculum.

Nearby on the map

Acid Reactions & Saltsages 12–13 Acids, Alkalis & pHages 12–13 Finite Resources & Recyclingages 12–14 Reactions That Release or Absorb Heatages 12–13

All Matter & Materials skills →