Classroom carbon footprint survey

Use this simple classroom carbon footprint survey to investigate and compare classrooms around the school. It demonstrates small actionable changes that learners can help to make to have an impact, and which will be more effective if everyone works together.

It also shows that tackling climate change is not all about personal responsibility, but about what we can achieve as a community. Emphasising the collective difference we can make can support learners' wellbeing.

~ 1 hour

KS2

KS3

Preparation

What you need

survey sheet for each group
clipboards and pencils

Location

Indoors or outdoors

Resources

Classroom Carbon Footprint Survey.pdf 223.67 KB

Step by step

This could be conducted as a class or in small groups.

Begin by showing the learners the survey and discuss how they might record their findings. For example, they might make their own table and record observations for each section of the survey.
Work with groups to decide which classroom or area they will survey.
Give learners enough time to conduct their survey and analyse their results.
Ask each group to present their findings and share recommendations to reduce the carbon footprint of their chosen classroom.

Curriculum links

This activity can be used to support curriculum knowledge and skill development in science and citizenship, alongside enhancing nature education, with age appropriate adaptations.

What to try next