Climate Action Toolkit
CAT is a set of enriching and engaging classroom activities for Y5-6 pupils (9-11 years old) to explore the topic of climate change.
5 hour-long lessons have been designed by experts from across the University of Cambridge and tested in primary schools.
Resources are suitable to be run as standalone activities, paced over multiple weeks, or all 5 sequentially as a single, off-timetable themed day. All sessions are designed to require minimal printing or technology requirements, and to be delivered in-classroom with as little teacher preparation as possible.
Primary school teacher, East of England
Through five distinct themes, the project aims to:
Spark curiosity and understanding:
Fun and engaging activities will introduce pupils to the science of climate change and its societal impacts
Empower positive action
Knowledge and tools equip pupils to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Foster collaboration and creativity
Teamwork, problem-solving, and innovative and systems thinking are encouraged through bespoke activities.
Build confidence and hope
The toolkit emphasises our collective power to create a better future, leaving pupils empowered and optimistic.
What themes will learners cover?
Sessions cover the 5 following themes:
Net Zero – The numbers and science of climate change
Stay or Go? – How climate change affects communities, including migration, global politics and how communities themselves make decisions
Hopeful Climate Futures – What does a future sustainable life look like? How can communities adapt to climate change?
Making the future – Thinking like an inventor, design and innovate to solve climate change challenges
Advocacy – The importance of communicating to bring about change
How do these themes link together?
Climate change is a complex issue that can be understood in many ways. Each theme approaches a different aspect of climate change from a different disciplinary perspective.
How will this work in school?
5 hour-long lessons have been designed by experts from across the University of Cambridge and tested in primary schools.
Resources are suitable to be run as standalone activities, paced over multiple weeks, or all 5 sequentially as a single, off-timetable themed day.
The last approach of having a ‘Climate Change Day‘ has worked really well for schools where these resources have been tested and we would recommend this approach.
All sessions are designed to require with minimal printing or technology requirements, and to be delivered in-classroom with as little teacher preparation as possible.
Want to get involved?
All sessions are designed to require minimal printing or technology, and to be delivered in-classroom with as little teacher preparation as possible. The resources are available completely free.
If you or your school would like to take part, Please complete this short feedback survey
CPD for Teachers
Want to ask any questions, or hear more about the Toolkit?
Get in touch at [email protected]
Join one of our CPD sessions, these are online and free for all.
Upcoming dates: 4 June 2025, through royal Geographic Society – register here
More dates to be added in early April, in advance of Earth Day 2025
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