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Climate Change KS3 resource

Canals and rivers are key in the fight against climate change. The 250-year-old waterways network faces threats from extreme weather and needs investment to protect the canals, heritage, and habitats.

Flood damage in Leicester on Grand Union Canal

This resource helps KS3 pupils consider social, economic and environmental issues to address the question:

Should we invest in canals to help fight climate change?

  • Teacher introduction

    A guide to using this flexible resource to support the taught curriculum, a synoptic topic, or a focused project for an ECO or STEM club.

    Teachers introduction

  • Part 1: Canals and rivers in England and Wales

    Explore the inland waterways to learn about their historical purpose, their importance for wellbeing and wildlife, and their social value and economic impact.

    Interactive presentation tool with suggested activities and discussion topics.

    Facts, photographs, charts, data, and more to aid learning and stimulate discussion.

  • Part 2: The environmental impact of canals

    Explore 9 different ways canals can help fight climate change, with supporting real-world examples, video clips and data.

    Interactive presentation tool with suggested activities and discussion topics.

    Facts, photographs, charts, data, and more to aid learning and stimulate discussion.

  • Part 3: Managing, maintaining and restoring canals and rivers

    Case studies that demonstrate the challenges and cost of restoration and maintenance work to keep the network resilient and safe.

    Interactive presentation tool with suggested activities and discussion topics

    Facts, photographs, charts, data, and more to aid learning and stimulate discussion.

  • Part 4: Careers information

    A snapshot of careers and pathways to working with canals and rivers, including apprenticeships and early career opportunities.

    Interactive presentation tool to inform and stimulate discussion.

    Facts and shared experience to engage pupils.

  • Pupil planning sheet

    A framework to help pupils record social, economic and environmental issues to help them answer the question:

    Should we invest in canals to help fight climate change?

    Student planning sheet

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photo of a location on the canals
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