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ASSIGNMENT
if you have not already done so, watch the video HOME which is included in this module.
Comment on the film HOME and other video clips that are included in this module.
How would you envisage introducing these climate change facts to your pupils.Post your response (150 words minimum) as a reply to this post.
Please also comment on at least one other participant’s post
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The film HOME is a powerful and visually stunning documentary that highlights the beauty of our planet while clearly illustrating the impact humans have had on Earth’s ecosystems. It effectively combines aerial footage with compelling narration to communicate urgent climate change facts in a way that is emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. The other video clips in the module similarly support understanding of key environmental concepts by breaking them down in simple, relatable terms.
To introduce these climate change facts to pupils, I would begin by showing selected clips—like HOME—to spark curiosity and empathy. These visuals can act as a strong entry point into discussions about sustainability, global responsibility, and environmental action. From there, we could explore classroom activities such as carbon footprint tracking, eco-audits of school practices, and local conservation projects. This multi-modal approach fosters both awareness and a sense of agency in young learners.
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I agree with your thoughts Colin on how this film can be an effective teaching resource. Along with the other clips in this module, they clearly show the catasrophic impact of humans on the planet. I think it is a great idea to get students to think of ways to reduce their carbon footprint. They are being proactive
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Using HOME as a visual starting point is a great idea Colin—it truly does an excellent job of capturing the beauty of the planet while making the consequences of human impact clear and relatable. I especially like how you plan to build on that initial emotional connection with hands-on activities like carbon footprint tracking and school eco-audits. These kinds of projects not only deepen understanding but also empower pupils to see how their everyday choices can make a real difference. I’d like to try this with my 6th Class.
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The movie Home clearly illustrates the impact of human activity on Earth’s ecosystems for example deforestation, pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and more. It helps students understand the urgency of these issues and their relevance to our daily lives. It has many uses in the primary classroom. I think it would be really useful to show short clips of this movie to my fifth-class students next year. I think it is visually really appealing to students and raises issues that affect everyone globally. I really liked that they gave real life examples. It lends itself to lots of ways to integrate across all curriculum areas. I really liked that it helps students develop an understanding of sustainability and the importance of protecting natural resources. It is hugely informative and an excellent resource to use in the senior classes. I look forward to using it in my classroom next year.
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I completely agree with your reflections on Home—it really is such a powerful resource. The visual storytelling is incredibly effective in capturing students’ attention and making complex environmental issues feel immediate and real. Showing short clips to fifth-class students is a great idea, especially since the film covers such a broad range of topics that can be linked across the curriculum—from geography and science to SPHE and even art or writing. I also really appreciated the use of real-life examples; it grounds the message and helps pupils understand that these challenges are not distant—they’re happening now and everywhere. I think using the film as a springboard for class projects or discussions on sustainability and climate action could be really impactful. It’s brilliant to hear you’re planning to use it next year—your students will definitely benefit from the insights and inspiration it brings.
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One thing I really liked was the carbon footprint questionnaire. It’s a great way for everyone to see how their daily choices affect the environment. In class, it could help children understand how they impact the planet and encourage them to make smarter, greener choices. They could even do a little project on ways to live more sustainably and share their ideas with the class.
The film HOME is a powerful documentary that shows amazing aerial shots from over 50 countries, highlighting both the beauty and fragility of our planet. It talks about how everything on Earth is connected and points out big problems caused by humans—like cutting down forests, pollution, using way too much stuff, and climate change. The film has a calm and thoughtful vibe and reminds us that we don’t have much time left to change how we live before things get really bad. Because there’s so much content, I would watch the video in stages with 5th and 6th class to help the children absorb and reflect on the information.
While HOME shows some serious stuff, it also gives hope by encouraging all of us to take responsibility and find ways to live more sustainably. It’s a strong reminder that Earth is our home, and we need to look after it together.
There are also some great resources like storybooks (Somebody Swallowed Stanley, Greta and the Giants), songs about nature, and simple visuals showing clean vs. dirty places. Hands-on activities like making art from recycled stuff, building simple ecosystem models, or doing a “waste-free day” challenge can really help children connect with these ideas.
All in all, these materials give a great starting point for teaching children about the environment in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and just right for their age.
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Anne,
I agree with you about how the carbon footprint questionnaire could help the children see how our daily choices impact the environment.
I found my own results really interesting as I would consider myself quite environmentally aware and I really try to reduce my carbon footprint where possible and yet my results were higher than average.
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The documentary Home is a powerful and thought-provoking film that beautifully showcases the richness and diversity of life on Earth, while also starkly highlighting the devastating impact humans have had on the planet’s ecosystems. I found it incredibly moving — every image captured the breathtaking beauty of our landscapes, and at the same time, reminded me of how much we are destroying through over-consumption and misuse of natural resources. The film sends a strong message: we are responsible for the current environmental crisis, and immediate action is needed. It emphasizes that our planet can no longer bear the strain of our unsustainable lifestyles. This message is crucial for everyone, and I believe Home delivers it effectively.
To introduce these important climate change facts to pupils, I would recommend showing Home to senior classes. The stunning visuals would captivate their attention and help them connect emotionally with the message. After watching, I would facilitate a class discussion to explore their thoughts and reactions, followed by interactive projects like creating posters or presentations on how we can protect the planet. This approach can help young learners understand the seriousness of the issue and empower them to become part of the solution.
When I watched Greta Thunberg’s Ted Talk the insight I took from her was her passion for action and protecting the planet. She is a role model for children and by exploring her activism with any senior class the children will be inspired by her actions. Actions speak louder than words and Greta Thunberg is an example of this. -
Hi Triona,
Welcome to the course and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the documentary Home. It does send a very powerful message regarding the action we need to take for this environmental crisis.
For senior classes this documentary would provide for lots of discussion and you could consider showing smaller clips to the class to support this. It would also give the pupils specific areas to consider when working on posters and projects. There are lots of learning opportunities from this documentary.
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I agree that the documentary HOME, with aerial footage from 54 countries, is very powerful. The visual imagery is powerful. The environmental message acknowledges Earth’s vulnerability.
Showing clips from HOME will serve as a springboard to lots of discussion before embarking on cross-curricular work on climate change.
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I agree with your recommendation of showing ‘Home’ to senior classes to captivate their attention and help them connect emotionally before engaging in a class discussion and working on projects. I think the video would be a great prompt for lots of discussion around the seriousness of climate change and how we as humans need to play our part in fighting against it.
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Hi Triona I absolutely agree that the documentary home was very powerful. Like you, it really got me thinking about the devastating impact we are having on the planet, as humans. I agree with Michelle’s comments above that showing the documentary in smaller chunks would make it more accessible for younger learners and also allow for discussion. I think that really we need our young people to understand fully the gravity of the situation we are in in terms of climate change. We also need every young person to understand that they can make small changes, they can have an impact, I think using the carbon footprint questionnaire is also a great idea.
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I really like your approach—using visual clips like HOME is such a powerful way to connect emotionally with pupils. Pairing this with hands-on activities like eco-audits and local projects helps make the learning meaningful and actionable. It’s a great way to foster both understanding and responsibility in a school setting.
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The film Home is visually beautiful. It is a documentary that shows aerial shots of Earths nature and beauty. The movie really showed me the story of Earth—how it all began, how life grew and thrived, and now, how it’s slowly being damaged by the way we live today. Our modern, consumer-driven lifestyles have taken a toll on the planet, often without us even realizing it. But by understanding this journey, we can start making choices that help protect and heal our world.
I think this movie has given me lots of ideas to teach my students about climate change and the impacts on Earth. I would show the students short clips from the movie to engage them and to encourage them to use their imagination. I would ask the children to go on a fact finding hunt. We would discuss what facts they had learnt. We would also discuss new things they would like to learn. This movie could be used as part of a whole school lesson. Using different elements and topics from the movie with different class levels. Our green school committee could help to support the students further through surveys, discussions and questionnaires. I would also use the movie to integrate across the curriculum. For example: art, literacy, maths, music.
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The video content in module is so powerful. I was struck and blown away by the evocative Climate Aid video clip in slide 6 of the module, The destruction of our beautiful Earth. Huge tracts of land in Australia, along with total destruction of whole ecosystems, being destroyed by fire wind, flooding , wave power. The accompanying intermittent narration conveys a stark message. The damage highlighted and the scenes of people on beaches waiting to be evacuated, “unprecedented”. The lyrics of the /australian band The Red Paintings are so aptFrom this Climate Aid clip came a message of hope, the image of a growing sapling, the words of Greta Thunberg, the beautiful footage towards the end of the clip. I would show short excerpts to my class. I believe it it is vital that pupils are not overwhelmed, My focus would be on the actions being taken and actions we all can take to make our changes for the future.
The caption “Children lead. Leaders follow” is powerful. I would use this as a starting point to think about the changes everyone can make for the better. Ar scáth a cheile a mhairimid.
The video HOME by Yahn Arthus Bertrand is amazing. The vulnerability of our planet is highlighted. The narration by Glenn Close is thought -provoking. I would show my class excerpts of this also. I would use this movie as another starting point for cross-curricular work. There is great scope for pupils to respond to the movie through art, music, drama and language arts
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The film HOME presents a powerful visual narrative about the planet’s environmental challenges, highlighting the impact of human activity on Earth’s ecosystems. It effectively combines striking imagery with compelling facts, making the issue of climate change urgent and relatable. The other video clips in the module complement this message by illustrating real-world examples of climate change effects, such as rising sea levels and deforestation. To introduce these facts to my pupils, I would start with age-appropriate discussions about the environment, using clips from HOME to capture their attention and evoke empathy. I would encourage students to reflect on their own actions and explore simple ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Integrating interactive activities, such as investigations or projects on local climate issues, would make the learning more engaging and meaningful. Overall, these videos serve as a vital tool to raise awareness and inspire action among young learners.
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Hi Diarmaid
Welcome to the course and thank you for sharing your thoughts on the film Home and other videos for use in the classroom. I agree that the imagery in the video is striking and depending on your own class group you can choose different clips to show in the class. The film could also be used to evoke empathy as you have said and encourage the pupils to come up with small changes they can make and encourage others to make and the importance of the combination of small changes to combat climate change.
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Hi Diarmaid, I agree with your reflection of HOME truly is a useful tool for engaging students visually to the topic. The way it combines stunning imagery with real environmental data helps children connect with the issues, making topics like climate change more accessible. Your idea of encouraging pupils to reflect on their daily habits and explore local issues is a great way to make the learning personal and relatable.
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I totally agree with your post.Children need small incremental changes that are manageable and they can educate the adults at home eg turn off lights. walk to shop not drive, recycle where possible.The children themselves will take pride in their achievements if they have completed a task themselves rather than just being passive learners.
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I agree with the point you made in your post Monica, small changes are a great place to begin. Turning off lights, closing doors to keep the heat in, turning down the heat in the classroom, composting, making sure we recycle and reuse when possible are effective changes we can make in the classroom which hopefully the children will bring out into their homes and influence others to make little changes too.
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I completely agree with your approach to using HOME and the supporting video clips to introduce environmental issues to young learners. The film’s powerful visuals and clear message are ideal for capturing children’s attention and sparking important conversations. I particularly like how you plan to start with age-appropriate discussions and encourage reflection on personal actions—this makes the learning both accessible and meaningful. Your inclusion of interactive projects and local investigations is an excellent way to deepen understanding and keep pupils engaged. Overall, your strategy effectively combines emotional impact with practical learning, which is essential for inspiring long-term awareness and change.
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The film HOME is a powerful documentary that presents the story of our planet from its creation to the current climate crisis. Through brilliant aerial footage, the film captures the beauty and diversity of Earth while also highlighting the extensive damage caused by human activity such as deforestation, over consumption, pollution, and global warming. The message is both urgent and hopeful, encouraging us to act before it’s too late.
Other clips in the module reinforce this message by presenting facts and statistics in a child friendly and age appropriate ways. To introduce these climate change facts to pupils, I would begin by sparking curiosity using images, short clips, and discussion or a quiz to explore what children already know. We could then move into group projects or inquiry based learning, where students explore specific environmental issues (e.g., melting ice caps, plastic pollution) and present their findings through posters, drama, or digital media. I think using cross-curricular links with Geography, Science, and SPHE would support deeper understanding for the children.
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Hi Tara, I agree with you, Home is really visually stunning. I really liked your idea of using inquiry-based learning and group projects is excellent, as it gives students ownership over their learning while encouraging collaboration and critical thinking. I also think I will use project work with my class next year when showing them clips from this movie.
I also liked cross-curricular approach. Connecting Geography, Science, and SPHE provides a holistic understanding of environmental issues, while also allowing for creative expression through posters, drama, or digital tools. These approaches make the learning accessible, memorable, and impactful.
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I really like the idea of using the film Home for cross curricular activities. This could be used as a stimulus for so many subjects like explanation writing in English, SPHE myself in the wider word and in the Learn together curriculum strand an ethical approach to the environment. This would further deepen the children’s understand of Climate action
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• The film Home is a breath taking documentary that uses aerial footage from over 50 countries to highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet. The film explores the interconnectedness of life on Earth and highlights the severe impact of human activity, especially deforestation, pollution, overconsumption, and climate change.
Narrated in a reflective tone, it highlights how we are living in a critical time; how we have limited time to change our behaviour before the damage becomes irreversible.
While the film presents the problems, it also encourages collective responsibility and sustainable solutions. It’s a powerful visual reminder that Earth is our shared home, and we must act to protect it.• I found the carbon footprint questionnaire interesting. Everyone should be encouraged to complete one to better understand their impact on the environment. It certainly highlights how our actions impact the planet, and it allows for smarter choices to cut emissions, slow climate change, and care for the planet long-term.
• Introducing climate change facts in the classroom:
Storybooks (e.g. Somebody Swallowed Stanley or Greta and the Giants).
Songs and rhymes about nature and helping the planet.
Visuals – simple pictures showing clean vs. polluted places.
Hands-on activities – planting seeds, recycling games, turning off the lights.-
Hi Sinéad, I completely agree with you. Home is a stunning and thought-provoking film that really brings the urgency of climate action to life. It strikes a strong balance between raising awareness and encouraging positive change. The carbon footprint questionnaire is a great tool too—it really helps make our personal impact more visible and gives us a starting point for meaningful action. I also love your classroom ideas such as storybooks, songs, visuals, and hands-on activities which are all fantastic ways to help younger children understand and care for the planet in a way that’s fun and age-appropriate. I will certainly use these ideas with my class this year.
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Yes, I also thought the carbon footprint questionnaire is really interesting and something my students would really enjoying using and comparing with each other. It’s a great prompt for reflection and connecting how our actions all have an impact on the future of our planet. Its a nice tool for promoting ideas of social responsibility.
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Hi Sinéad, thanks for sharing names of storybooks to link with the topic, I hadn’t heard of the two you mentioned. Appreciate that. I agree the Carbon footprint quiz was very interesting and if you manipulate answers the children would be able to see by reducing rubbish or car travel etc the positive difference it makes. Great to have such a visual.
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Sinead, thank you for listing some of the resources, particularly the storybooks and hands on activities you mentioned in your post. I like the idea of the visuals, displaying pictures showing clean vs polluted areas. I think displaying pictures of before and afters of certain areas of the world as shown in the movie would be quite thought provoking and trigger some very good wonderings and exploring. Example- the ice caps, the forests of Bolivia, coral reefs, Easter Island etc
I thought the movie Home was very powerful and thought provoking. It certainly would make a big impact on the children. I would show it in parts as it is a lot to take in and the children would have many questions along the way.
I would ask the children to complete the Carbon Footprint questionnaire at home with their parents and discuss their opinions and come up with a list of small manageable changes they could make at home and at school. This could link in with Green School activities in school.
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Completely agree home is stunning and really shows the beauty and fragility of our planet. I also agree that completing the carbon footprint questionnaire is a great exercise for anyone to fully appreciate our individual impact on the planet. Completing it can help us understand the changes we could make for the better.
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The film HOME is an extremely powerful and compelling compilation of beautiful images on out planet coupled with narration that pushed us to think outside the box and to what we are actually doing to our planet, our home. This alongside the Climate Aid 2020 video and the Greta Thunberg video provides a lot of though provoking imagery and questions. When using these in the classroom I would provide a little warning as to how some imagery is not the typical imagery we see or like to see of the world around us. I would not like to lead too much as I would be intrigued to see the thoughts of the children. I would facilitate the conversations and discussions around these videos to begin our topic. I would then encourage groups to calculate their carbon footprint and show ways that we can easily reduce it.
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Hi Aine, I agree with your views on not leading the lesson too much and allow the children to express their own views independently. There is such coverage about climate change nowadays that hopefully most children will have information/views they would like to share. I really enjoy a good, whole class discussion and this film and topic would certainly facilitate this. Also the film is a few years old now it seems, so it would be no harm finding more up to date videos showing the measures that are being taken now to save the planet.
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I completely agree with your post Aine, the film HOME really leaves a lasting impression with its visuals and message. I like how you’re allowing pupils to respond in their own way before leading the discussion. That kind of open-ended approach can lead to really thoughtful conversations. Following it up with carbon footprint activities is a great way to make the learning feel real and relevant.
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The film HOME is a beautiful and powerful documentary that shows how all parts of our planet are connected and how human actions have changed the Earth. The aerial videos and clear explanations make it interesting and easy to follow. It helps viewers understand why it’s important to take care of the environment. The other videos in the module, like the Paxi animations, are great for younger children as they explain tricky ideas like greenhouse gases and global warming in a fun and simple way.
With a younger class, I would start by showing the Paxi videos to help them understand the basics. Then, I would show short, age-appropriate parts of HOME to spark curiosity. After watching, we could talk about what they saw and how it made them feel. To follow up, the children could draw pictures of the Earth, act out caring for nature, or tell stories about how to help the planet.
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Yes, I think showing the Paxi video to younger classes would be a great start to introducing the topic and fostering understanding. I would definitely then just show short age appropriate parts of HOME, being conscious not to overwhelm children. I think discussion prompts like “how did you feel?” etc will be important to allow children to identify and address concerns and fears that the film brings up. Seeing that they aren’t the only ones anxious or worried by the issues raised will help reinforce that this is an issue for everyone.
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Hi Louise,
That sounds like a great idea! I really like how you’re thinking about using the Paxi videos first to build up their understanding in a fun way before introducing parts of HOME. Adding creative activities is a brilliant way to help younger children connect with these big ideas and feel empowered to take care of our planet.
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The film HOME is a powerful, evocative and thought-provoking account of the global issue of climate change. I think it would be a powerful tool to utilise within the classroom setting to raise awareness among pupils regarding the serious environmental problems and damage caused by human activity in recent times. I can’t avoid addressing my initial feeling of being unsettled by the content. I found the overall tone of the film disturbing and alarming at times, even as an adult. I found myself questioning whether the scenes and images of environmental damage, such as bush fires, flooding, drought etc could be overwhelming especially for younger and more sensitive children and what age level and what setting would ultimately be the best way to use this video. I think this will be dictated by the class group each year. But, overall, I think it is an important message that children must be made aware of. It highlighted to me not to let the starkness of the message allow me as an educator to shy away from addressing it. I like how the movie has a clear and simple timeline for children to understand how this issue has evolved over time. I would use the video to show children the beauty of the Earth and to encourage the children to think on a larger scale beyond our own locality and country. I think it will be useful to help children to comprehend the impact of environmental issues around the world and how lucky we are to be living in the Western World. I hope that this would help to build empathy and a sense of responsibility among my pupils towards people living in other climates. I think the visual imagery from HOME will be more impactful that just reading this information and facts from a textbook. Greta Thunberg’s speech is an eye opening and passionate reaction to these issues and an excellent way of relating that this is an issue for all, not just an adult problem. I think seeing a young person like themselves reacting and taking action will be a inspiration to them that they also have a voice too. I think that ending any lesson about climate change on a positive note such as sharing success stories i.e. reforestation projects, renewable energy innovations, youth-led movements etc. will emphasize that change is possible and that students can be part of making a change.
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I completely agree with you. I also felt a bit unsettled watching home and was thinking about how it could affect younger children. I think you’re right that it depends on the class group and how sensitive they are. I like your idea of ending on a positive note by sharing examples of progress and solutions. It’s so important that the children feel hopeful and realise they can do something to help. I also thought the timeline in the film was really clear and made it easier to understand how things have changed over time.
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I really liked Elaine’s honest and reflective response. I really appreciate how Elaine acknowledged the emotional reaction to HOME—it’s true that the imagery and tone can be quite powerful and even unsettling. I think your awareness of the emotional impact on students, especially those who are more sensitive, is really important. Elaine made a great point about adapting how we use the film based on the specific class group each year—flexibility is key.
I also loved how you highlighted the value of showing the beauty of the Earth alongside the challenges. It’s a great way to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation before addressing the more serious issues. Your idea of ending on a hopeful note, with success stories and real-world examples of positive action, is something I completely agree with. It’s so empowering for children to see that they can make a difference, especially when they see peers like Greta Thunberg taking a stand. Well done!
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I definitely agree that it is a thought provoking video and one where the children will understand differences in our western world and luxuries afforded to them. It could certainly be overwhelming to some so as a teacher we can explain and answer questions as best we can and also just show the main sections of the film we need.
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The film Home is truly stunning, both visually and in the important message it shares. The facts it presents are shocking and really make you think, especially when paired with such beautiful footage. Similar to David Attenborough’s video from the last module, it begins by exploring the Earth’s creation and spends a good amount of time on that. I like how the film is divided into sections, which would make it easier to show specific clips to children. It’s a fantastic resource for introducing young learners to the impacts of climate change.
If I were teaching this, I’d start by focusing on it as a Geography or SPHE lesson about the Earth itself, without mentioning climate change right away. This way, students can really appreciate and be amazed by the planet’s origins. The film’s gradual shift toward showing modern human development feels like a tribute to human creativity. I think students will be surprised—and probably concerned—when they see the worrying statistics that come late
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Hi Niamh,
Welcome to the course and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the film Home. I agree that you could choose specific sections of the film to support the learning for your class. It is a great resource to support their learning on climate change, but it is important to choose relevant clips that would be suitable for your own class and their needs.
As you have mentioned, children may become concerned when they learn of the statistics and it is important to keep positive and ensure that even the smallest of steps and measures can help and it is important that we all work together to combat climate change. I, myself, have found that there can be a level of anxiety among some children in this area so I am conscious of clips and activities in the classroom to address the topic but also provide support and encouragement for these children. But then every class is different and there are lots of activities to promote the smaller tasks we can make.
I hope you enjoy the course.
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‘Home’ is a brilliant production and gives us the whole history of our planet Earth.I myself have learnt a lot from it and it has given me food for thought.I certainly would use clips of this with 3rd Class being cognisant of the fact that they children are young and would not like to be the cause of climate anxiety.
However the clips I would carefully select would deal with the very early part of the movie which explain how planet earth as we know it came in to being.We would then have a ready made geography lesson on the various regions as a group work activity.
I would then move on to the greenhouse effect being selective with the audios.We could then finish off with an art activity or as mentioned in a previous post a science activity on rising temperatures.SPHE and our responsibilities in life could also be addressed as part of a module of work as could be topic of advertising and needs vs wants in life.-
Hi Monica,
I agree with your enthusiasm about the production, ‘Home.’ It left a lasting impression on me also. I agree that the video would be best placed with a 3rd or 4th class group as the topics addressed could be pitched appropriately at this age group. I like the use of cross-curricular integration with the subject areas of Geography as this would enable children to extend and enrich their learning, thus also catering for children with high ability and higher-order thinking skills. You have some fantastic ideas here which I can definitely see myself using in future lessons.
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Hi Monica, I think it is a good idea how you focused on the origins of Earth and connected it into geography it is a very natural cross-curricular link. It’s also really good how you’re planning to avoid triggering any climate anxiety, especially with younger children. Including art, science, and SPHE activities to explore the topic further adds so much depth – I think your approach would really help pupils understand the issues without feeling overwhelmed. Love
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The video HOME contains powerful imagery and would be very useful in exploring our planet from the classroom. It is an eye opener in terms of the landscapes and regions shown along with all the different ecosystems. Watching clips from here would be fantastic for sparking pupils interest not only in space exploration but also cultural exploration and environmental awareness. At my classroom level I would certainly plan clear learning goals and choose the appropriate clips from the movie to engage in discussion and activities before, during and after watching. As part of researching climate change and predicting future patterns, there is great opportunity for public speaking and debate. Using Greta Thunberg’s video would be a resource that I would use to link these curricular areas. The tool for calculating the carbon footprint would be challenging for my class to complete but I would certainly use it where I facilitated completing the questions on the IWB and we substituted answers to show the positive impact our personal choices could make to help reduce the carbon footprint.
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The film Home was one of the most breathtaking and powerful documentaries I’ve ever seen. I do wish I had watched it on a larger screen rather than my laptop — the visuals truly deserve to be seen in full glory. As the film progressed, I found myself feeling increasingly saddened by the damage we’ve done to our planet. One moment that really stood out was seeing Dubai, a place with constant sunshine, reportedly not making use of solar panels. It’s hard to believe such potential is being overlooked. I hope this has changed since the film was made.
The film is filled with striking statistics that really highlight how industrialised the world has become and the deep inequalities that exist. At first, I worried the film might be too complex for my class to understand, especially during the more scientific sections. But once those passed, it turned into a very accessible and valuable resource that I could definitely see being used in the classroom — especially on an interactive whiteboard.
It is quite a long film, so I would likely show it in segments. Still, I believe it would be incredibly eye-opening for students, helping them gain insight into different cultures and ways of life. More importantly, it could help them appreciate what they often take for granted, things like access to clean drinking water or abundant energy resources.
I’m genuinely looking forward to watching it again, and I’ll certainly be using it as a teaching tool next year to support lessons on climate change and global awareness.
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“Home” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a powerful and visually stunning documentary that explores the planet’s diversity and the impact of human activity on the environment. The film is made entirely from aerial shots and is designed to give viewers a new perspective on the beauty of Earth and the challenges it faces. By incorporating “Home” into the classroom, teachers can inspire young students to appreciate the beauty of the planet and understand the importance of taking care of the environment.
Introduction to Climate Change:
Begin by asking the students what they know about weather and seasons.
Explain that climate is the usual weather of a place over a long time.
Introduce the concept of climate change by explaining that the Earth’s climate is changing more quickly now because of certain activities.
introduce the documentary, explaining that it shows many beautiful places around the world from a unique perspective and talks about how we can help protect these places.
Discussion:After watching the segments, discuss with the students what they saw.
Ask questions such as:
What did you find most beautiful or interesting?
What are some things people do that can harm the environment?
How can we help take care of our planet?
Simple Environmental Actions:Create a list of simple actions students can take to help the environment, such as recycling, conserving water, and planting trees.
Make a classroom pledge to adopt one or more of these actions.-
This is a lovely, well-thought-out approach to introducing climate change in a gentle and age-appropriate way. I really like how you’ve broken it down clearly, starting with what children already know and building from there. Using Home to spark curiosity and combining it with meaningful actions like a class pledge makes the learning both engaging and practical.
One idea I might use myself is setting up a “Planet Protectors” wall in the classroom where students can share drawings, photos, or notes about things they’ve done to help the environment. It’s a great way to celebrate their efforts and keep everyone motivated to care for our planet.
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I have to say I found the Climate Aid video a hard watch, it portrays the devastation that our carbon footprint is causing so vividly without any room for excuses. It would be a great introduction to Climate Action for a 5th or 6th class and would initiate a great group discussion. For some students in younger classes it may be frightening but pausing the video and discussing what a picture depicts could be a good alternative.
I really enjoyed the film “Home”. The imagery and narration was very thought provoking and gives mountains of information to spark curiosity and debate. I would use clips from this film to discuss how we could help reduce our carbon footprint. For example if you are teaching about reducing water consumption the clip that shows the dry river Jordon compared to the 800/1,00l a day that people in Las Vegas use is a stark contrast. This could start a group discussion about how we can reduce our water consumption by turning off the taps when brushing our teeth or using a water butt for gardening. Continuing on from this we could have a discussion about food and how the foods we eat out of season from other counties cause huge problems for our environment.
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I was encouraged and enthused by the video Home from Module 3. I really felt it was a video that provided such a variety of interesting facts, information and views into the world we live in. There are so many aspects to this video that would be appealing to me as a teacher but also to the students I teach. I have always felt that the origins of life on earth provide older primary students with early entries into Biology, Chemistry and Geography of second level education. The impact on animals is usually a topic that has huge interest among students. The role of all species on Earth is clearly defined and the interlocking web which exists between humans and animals are intrinsically linked together. Children can clearly identify with this inn their research skills of animals that are endangered and unfortunately those that have become extinct. I believe children would also find low lying areas very interesting such as the Maldives. This would work very well in making comparisons to Cork city, Clonmel and other areas that have suffered from flooding. Videos in this section clearly highlight the role of human activity as well as the impact the earth has back on humans. We are all linked together!
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I found the documentary, Home, to be moving and powerful film. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think it’s a great film to show 5th and 6th classes, but I would avoid showing it to younger classes, as there are a few images and topics that may be distressing . I would consider showing a younger class a different film such as Happy Feet as a substitute. Happy Feet is a children’s animated movie, following the consequences of overfishing and pollution, while also telling a sweet story of a penguin who just wants to fit in that young children (and even older children) could enjoy and I believe it would be more suitable for a younger audience. The film, Home, handles important topics that I feel may get overlooked, so when showing it to my class I would consider breaking it up over 2 or 3 days so that the children could understand and appreciate the film
I think that the Greta Thunberg Ted Talk is a brilliant video for teaching, especially for older classes as the students can relate to her age wise. She addresses important concerns which the students may share, and even if they don’t she spreads awareness for them. Her speech is filled with passion and I think that it is good for children to see someone so passionate about climate change as it can inspire them to bring about change.
These videos are invaluable to teachers when teaching about climate change, a topic students may find boring or unimportant. The videos are not only educational but inspiring. I will definitely be showing some of these videos to my class upon returning to school
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Hi Christina
Welcome to the course and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the film Home. I agree that you would have to ensure that this film is suitable for the class you have. You could also choose specific scenes or clips from the file to further support the topic you are covering in your class or cover it over a number of days as you have suggested.
Greta Thunberg’s Ted Talk is inspiring and filled with passion as you have said. Children in the senior classes may relate to her more and it will inform them and inspire them on how to reduce emissions and climate change. For younger pupils there is a Green Schools Book Club with a picture book called Greta and the Giants which is a lovely option to explore climate change. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the videos in this module.
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I absolutely loved the film, Home, and feel it should be seen by everyone. It is accessible and visually so striking. I think it would engage pupils immediately and help them to understand the catastrophic changes to climate as a result of overdependence on fossil fuels, deforestation, excessive mining, extreme practices in agriculture, etc. It also demonstrates the link between these global climate changes and the impact on humanity whether through floods, wild fires, storms, food shortages, diseases, etc.
I think it would be useful to use the film in sections to elicit discussion in class, gather views and opinions, link to prior knowledge. I would ideally use this with 5th and 6th classes where group and collaborative work could be used to think about global issues but then return to our local situation, in school and at home, to investigate how we could implement small but effective changes to address some of these issues. This could be something led by a class or two or by a Green School Committee or could involve the P.A. to encourage connections with home.
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Hi Valerie
Welcome to the course and I am glad that you loved the film Home. With many striking visuals it is great to engage the senior class pupils on the topic of climate change.
I also like how you plan to bring the children back to issues in their own local area and what changes they can make. While it is important to know the global effects of climate change, I think it is more important to show the children the changes they can make at home and in their own community and how to encourage others to make these changes too. This could also reduce the level of anxiety some children can have regarding climate change.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the videos and ideas for use in the classroom.
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Valerie, I like your idea of breaking the video into sections to prompt discussion and connect to prior knowledge, especially with older students who are ready to explore these deeper global challenges.
Your focus on linking global issues back to local action is so important. It not only makes the learning more relevant but also empowers students to feel they can make a difference. Encouraging collaboration through a Green School Committee or involving the parent association is a great way to build a wider community response and show students that climate action is a shared responsibility.
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Hi Valerie, I agree with you completely. I will be telling my colleagues and friends to watch it too. Climate change facts are so important and at times people are unaware of them. I agree about getting the green schools committee involved. It’s also a nice idea to encourage involvement from the PA and parents.
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‘Home’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a visually stunning and powerful documentary that provides an overview of the environmental challenges facing our planet. With its breathtaking areal footage and poignant narration, the film explores the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecosystems and highlights the impact of human activity on the environment. It’s a compelling call to action for sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
In the classroom, I would begin by explaining that you are going to watch parts of a beautiful film about our planet. Emphasizing that it shows many different places on Earth and talks about how important it is to take care of them. Ask the students if they have ever thought about how all the different parts of the world are connected. For example how the trees in a far away place can affect the air we breathe here.
After showing each part, pause and discuss:
-what did you see?
-How did it make you feel?
-Why is it important?
When introducing climate to 6/7 year olds I would explain that the world’s weather is changing in ways that can sometimes be harmful to people, animals and plants. Use examples like, ‘Have you noticed how some summers are much hotter than other?’ or ‘Sometimes it rains a lot more than usual’. Read stories or show pictures of animals and plants affected by climate change.
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“Home” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a powerful documentary that presents breath taking aerial footage of Earth, highlighting the beauty of our planet while exploring the serious environmental challenges we face, especially climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and overconsumption of resources.
The film shows how industrialisation, agriculture, and fossil fuel use have altered landscapes and ecosystems—directly tying to increased greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
It shows how developed nations use a disproportionate amount of Earth’s resources, while poorer communities suffer the worst effects of climate change
Images of deforestation and shrinking wetlands show how Earth’s ability to absorb CO₂ is diminishing.
The film encourages collective responsibility and highlights the urgent need for sustainable living and policy changes to protect the planet for future generations.
Teacher could use still images from the film to show natural wonders like forests, oceans, and deserts and then use effective questioning like
“What do you see?”, “Why is this place important?”, What makes Earth special?”, Why should we take care of it?”, “What do you think happens when trees are cut down or the air gets dirty?”.
They could follow this by participating in an art lesson or composing a poem on how to change the planet.Climate Aid 2000 highlights how climate change affects people, particularly in poorer countries—through droughts, floods, food shortages, and displacement. The organisation promotes a message of fairness and global responsibility, encouraging those in wealthier countries to help those who are most affected but least responsible for climate change.
For younger classes, the teacher could introduce Climate Aid 2000 with a simple story using puppets, visuals, or picture books to explain complex ideas.Children could be introduced to Greta Thunberg by using simple, child-friendly language:
“Greta is a girl from Sweden who loves nature and wanted to protect the planet. When she was just 15, she started sitting outside her country’s parliament to ask leaders to help stop pollution. Her small actions inspired millions of people around the world.” -
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I was immensely impressed by the video Home. It was truly thought provoking. The narrating element provided a beautiful narrative to some powerful images and scenes. I have always been a big fan of the Planet Earth productions and other nature programmes. As a viewer Home really brought me in to truly analysing what life ls really like on Planet Earth. Animals, humans, the sea, flora, insects and water systems are all so interconnected that we all rely on each other. By showing this video we can inspire our students to take ownership of protecting our planet in our own small ways. It would be a fantastic video to show the Green Schools and Student Council committees early on in a school year.
I also thought the Climate Aid video was extremely powerful. There were some gripping messages in this video which really grabbed my attention and would be suitable for older classes in developing a deep understanding of deforestation, wildfires and the dangerous impact they have on animal habitats.
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I thought the film was very powerful and moving. The images of deforestation, melting glaciers and pollution really show how serious the climate crisis is. It was also interesting to see how humans use land and resources and the damage that this causes over time. The film makes it clear that climate change is happening everywhere and affecting people and wildlife in so many ways.
I also found the video clip about Greta Thunberg very inspiring. It shows that even young people can have a big voice and push for action.
In the classroom, I would introduce these ideas slowly so they are not too overwhelming. I would start by showing short clips to spark discussion about the main problems, then link this to our local environment and what we can do ourselves. We could look at photos, create posters and think about ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
I would also use the carbon footprint calculator as a class activity. This would help the children see how small changes in their daily lives can make a difference.
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One thing I really liked was the carbon footprint questionnaire. It’s a great way for everyone to see how their daily choices affect the environment. In class, it could help children understand how they impact the planet and encourage them to make smarter, greener choices. They could even do a little project on ways to live more sustainably and share their ideas with the class.
The film HOME is a powerful documentary that shows amazing aerial shots from over 50 countries, highlighting both the beauty and fragility of our planet. It talks about how everything on Earth is connected and points out big problems caused by humans—like cutting down forests, pollution, using way too much stuff, and climate change. The film has a calm and thoughtful vibe and reminds us that we don’t have much time left to change how we live before things get really bad. Because there’s so much content, I would watch the video in stages with 5th and 6th class to help the children absorb and reflect on the information.
While HOME shows some serious stuff, it also gives hope by encouraging all of us to take responsibility and find ways to live more sustainably. It’s a strong reminder that Earth is our home, and we need to look after it together.
There are also some great resources like storybooks (Somebody Swallowed Stanley, Greta and the Giants), songs about nature, and simple visuals showing clean vs. dirty places. Hands-on activities like making art from recycled stuff, building simple ecosystem models, or doing a “waste-free day” challenge can really help children connect with these ideas.
All in all, these materials give a great starting point for teaching children about the environment in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and just right for their age.
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After watching HOME by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, I would introduce the key facts to my 6th class by first creating a calm, reflective atmosphere to match the tone of the film.
I would begin with a short, guided discussion about the visuals and emotions the students of my 6th class experienced during the video. Then, I would break down some of the powerful facts presented – such as deforestation, overconsumption of resources, and the impact of fossil fuels – using visuals and simple language to ensure understanding.
To make it more relatable, I’d link global issues to local actions, such as energy use at home or plastic waste in school. Small group discussions or think-pair-share activities would help students process the information and express their ideas. I’d follow this with a project-based activity where students create posters, presentations, or short videos on ways we can help the planet. This cross-curricular approach would combine Geography, Science, English, and SPHE while fostering empathy, awareness, and responsibility.
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The video HOME is extremely powerful and eye-opening and would be worthwhile showing to the children to raise awareness. As it is quite long, specific clips could be shown to the children. Follow on activities such as a climate change poster competition could be held in the school with gripping slogans making other classes aware of the dangers and also initiatives such as tree planting and litter picking could be carried out. This would be fun for the children and also excellent for the environment at the same time.
The other videos in this module, for example the Ireland Climate Action Plan and also the Ted Talk would be very educational and beneficial for primary school classes. The children could do their own research and project work on Greta Thunberg and they could also calculate their carbon footprint by doing the questionnaire as part of computer/i-pad time or else as part of homework.-
Hi Eoghan,
I like your suggestion of a climate change poster competition. It could be done in conjunction with a collective effort to promote walking or cycling to school where possible, or car pooling to reduce the carbon footprint. Going on a nature walk, planting trees and picking litter are also great ideas to increase awareness and gratitude of their immediate environment.
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Home was a hard hitting, stunning depiction of what humans are doing to the planet. It was particularly interesting throughout the video where comparisons are made between the minority rich who are in control of the majority of the resources, in countries where there is mass poverty and starvation. The video, while important for us to know, is potentially scary for children, so I would be careful what clips I would be sharing with a class. I would focus on the video from about 1hr15min onwards where it shows the statistics (eg 20% of the planet’s population used 80% of its resources, more money spent on military resources than aid, etc.). I would use it to elicit empathy and sympathy in the children.
I think I would like to use Greta Thunberg as a positive example of using their voices to encourage government and local politicians to advocate for the sustainability of their planet, the home of future generations.
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HOME was a very powerful and moving clip that would bea great stimulus to introduce a lesson in the classroom. On reflection, it is very eye opening to watch. I think it is engaging and provides children with An opportunity to reflect on what they can do to help our planet and environment. This video highlights the impact of humans on Earth and a wide variety of topics are explored. It may be effective to focus on a different topic each week and devise a new lesson on each topic , for example week ones focus could be pollution, week twos focus climate change and so on. There are many opportunities for cross curriculum links and integrations. The topics discussed could be explored in English debates, construction of eco systems in visual arts, etc. I do think it is important lessons are meaningful and age appropriate for the children. As well as the HOME video there are lots of useful resources mentioned in this module that I will bring forward to my future teaching, including the Greta and the giants storybook and the carbon footprint questionnaire
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HOME is a really creative film that shows how humans affect our planet, especially our climate and the animals and plants that live here. It helps students see what’s happening to Earth because of our actions. Yann Arthus-Bertrand shows just how amazing and beautiful our planet is, but also warns us about the damage we’re causing. The message feels urgent but still hopeful, reminding us there are things we can change if we act now. I especially liked how it used real-life examples, which will make it easier for students to connect with. It’s a very informative film, and I definitely plan to use clips from it to get my class talking about topics like carbon emissions, deforestation, and what these mean for our future.
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To introduce climate change facts from HOME, I would start by showing short, visually engaging clips from the documentary that highlight the beauty of nature—forests, oceans, animals. I’d then explain in simple terms that our Earth is like a big home we all share, and just like we take care of our rooms, we need to take care of our planet. I would use stories and pictures to explain how things like cutting too many trees or using too many cars can hurt nature. After watching, we would have a class discussion with questions like, “What did you notice?” or “How can we help the Earth?” I’d finish with a creative activity—drawing a happy Earth and a sad Earth—so they can show what they learned. This approach helps children understand the message in a gentle, age-appropriate way while making them feel they can help.
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To introduce climate change facts to my 6th class pupils activities will be planned using these three videos: Home, Greta Thunberg’s speech at UN COP 25, and the Climate Aid 2020 video. I hope to begin by showing selected scenes from the documentary Home, highlighting the beauty of Earth and the environmental damage caused by human activity. Pupils can then discuss how deforestation, pollution, and the use of fossil fuels contribute to climate change. Next I will show a short clip from Greta Thunberg’s speech , encouraging pupils to reflect on the urgency of climate action and the role young people can play. This will hopefully lead to a group discussion or written response about why climate change matters to them personally. Finally, the Climate Aid 2020 video will be used to explore how global communities are coming together to fight climate change, using music and storytelling to inspire action. As a follow-up activity, pupils could create posters, slogans, or short presentations on what they’ve learned and how they can help protect the planet. Hopefully these activities will inform, inspire, and empower pupils to think critically and act responsibly on climate issues.
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I really like the idea of showing a clip of Greta Thunberg. Having someone young speaking can inspire students to take action and reflect on the urgency of climate action. Having the students design posters, slogans and presentations can inspire the school community to take pride in protecting the school facilities and local community.
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Home is a deeply moving documentary that powerfully conveys the urgency of climate change through breathtaking imagery and a superb narrative. It presents big global issues—deforestation, melting glaciers, water scarcity, industrial agriculture, and fossil fuel dependence—in a way that is both informative and emotional.
The film’s strength lies in how it highlights the interconnectedness of life and the need for collective responsibility. It encourages viewers to reflect not only on global systems but also on their own roles within them.
Introducing These Climate Change Facts to Pupils:
Rather than showing the entire film at once, I would select short, focused clips (e.g., 3–5 minutes) that cover specific themes—such as deforestation, melting ice caps, or renewable energy. Each segment would be followed by guided questions and discussions to help students digest and reflect on the content.
The aerial shots can be used as visual prompts for writing, drawing, or discussion activities. For example:
“What do you see? What do you think is happening here? How do you think this relates to climate change?”After watching clips, I’d ask students to think about how the issues shown in the film relate to their own communities—e.g., how do we use water? Where does our food come from? Do we see signs of climate change around us?
Students could respond to the film through art, poetry, or multimedia projects, expressing their thoughts, hopes, or concerns for the planet. This encourages emotional engagement and personal expression.
Home is a powerful educational tool for raising awareness about climate change. With thoughtful scaffolding and emotional support, it can spark meaningful conversations and inspire students to become informed, compassionate warriors of the Earth.
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HOME is a visually spectacular and thought-provoking documentary that emphasizes the urgency of climate change. The airborne footage brilliantly portrays the planet’s landscapes while emphasizing the harm caused by human activity. What makes the film so effective is how it links the dots between industrialization, deforestation, and climate change, demonstrating how our actions in one corner of the planet may have an influence on ecosystems around the world. I especially loved the film’s positive ending, which encourages community responsibility and progress. The extra segments in the program, such as youth-led projects and brief animated explanations, provide accessible and interesting methods to learn complicated environmental issues.
To teach these climate change concepts in the classroom, I would begin with short films that intrigue pupils and encourage debate. Then we’d look at real-world steps kids may take, such as tracking their carbon footprint, creating eco-friendly campaigns, or conducting modest environmental audits at school. It’s all about putting awareness into action.
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The documentary ‘Home’ is a groundbreaking portrayal of the human footprint on Earths natural resources and the devasting effects on plant and wildlife. The film allows us to understand the interconnected relationship on climate, ecosystems and biodiversity from human interaction. There is stunning visualisation through the use of aerial shots from different landscapes. The music is also powerful and dramatic and really strikes a chord when watching scenes of different terrains. The documentary is powerful and leads the viewer to reflect on how humans have treated the planet we live on and the catastrophic damage to future generations if we do not act now!!
Before showing the film to children I would have the students close their eyes and play the audio of the film for five minutes (starting at 1 hour 13 minutes into the film). Teacher questioning of what the students heard and their opinion of what they think the film is about. I would then play the five minutes of the video from for the students to watch what they have just listened to and assesses their reactions. After watching further clips of the film I would divide the students into groups to brainstorm potential solutions and ideas for protecting our planet. The group could also focus on a school recycling campaign such as collecting old bottle caps for school murials focusing on animals from different terrains.
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Hi Shane. I really enjoyed reading your post – you have some brilliant ideas. I really love the idea of getting the children to close their eyes and listen to the video for 5 minutes – this would act as a brilliant catalyst for a lesson on climate change and would be great for sparking debate. This would appeal brilliantly to auditory learners. I also love the collaborative nature of getting the children to work together in groups to brainstorm solutions for protecting our planet. The bottle cap idea for creating environmental murals is brilliant and so creative – it would really help develop children’s critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills in a fun and active way.
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I think the documentary home is an excellent resource. It is visually engaging and thought provoking. I feel it will really impress on students the impact we as humans are having on our planet. I would use it along with other video clips on this course to have a whole schoool discussion on climate change, the Green house effect etc. I would break this documentary down in to chunks because it is too long for the attention span of younger children and also because I feel this topic is so important that it is one that needs to be addressed regularly( not just a one off lesson ) deeply and thoroughly. I feel that it needs to be part of assembly ( possible student preentations ), it needs to be integrated into science, maths,english, drama indeed any subject possible to consolidate the learning and the importance of this topic
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Hi Fiona,
I couldn’t agree more! Home is an excellent resource and shows the extent of our impact in the most breathtaking array of visuals from around the world. Breaking the video into selected snippets is a great idea, as it may prove to be too much for one sitting.
With younger learners, it is important to be solution-focused rather than problem-focused, and to recognise some of the great work already underway to create positive change here in Ireland and beyond. Cross-circular links are a great idea to add depth to understanding and expression around this topic, and encourage further action throughout the local community. Learners could create posters, poems, or a play exploring the topic and its impacts, bringing together climate science facts and the arts to broadcast this important message.
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I found both the Home film and Greta Thunberg’s Cop 25 speech really thought provoking. I think both of these could be used as excellent resources in a senior classroom. Both the videography and the narration of the film I thought were incredible and the film really showed what we as humans are doing to the Earth’s ecosystem. It showed us that it is imperative that we take action now before Global warming becomes completely irreversible. This film could lead to some excellent discussions within the class on what we could do both at home and in school to help reduce the impact that we are having on the environment. Greta Thunberg’s speech was also really motivating and showed us the urgency with which things need to change. Although she speaks about how change needs to come from Governments, its also crucial that we too do our bit as much as possible. I found the WWF Footprint quiz a real eye opener. It showed me what impact I am having personally and showed me that I need to become a lot more mindful when it comes to my everyday life.
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HI Laura,
These are both really great starting point prompts. Some learners may prefer snippets rather than the entire Home film, depending on age and attention span. It certainly is hair-raising stuff. It is so important that the focus is on the positives at a primary level, the actions we can take, and the role individuals, businesses, NGO’s Governments and intergoverment agreements have in creating change, and change is underway-everywhere we look there are solar panels, wind turbines, cycle lanes, etc, creating a better future for us all..The footprint quiz is a great way of making things like choice of heating, meat consumption and flights visible as carbon footprint contributors. It is not to create eco anxiety or a burden of responsibility, but to help us grow in awareness of current systems and how they can change. There are lots of positive stories in Ireland, and up-and-coming Gretas too!
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The film HOME is a powerful and visually stunning documentary that highlights the delicate balance of our planet and the severe consequences of human activity on Earth’s ecosystems. It presents climate change not as a distant problem, but as a current crisis affecting biodiversity, water, forests, and communities worldwide. The use of aerial footage makes the message striking and emotional, which would certainly resonate with older primary pupils.
To introduce these climate change facts to my class (4th–6th), I would begin with shorter, age-appropriate clips from the film and follow them with guided discussions. I would link the content to topics such as weather vs. climate, energy use, and sustainability. Activities might include data collection (e.g. local temperature or rainfall), simple experiments on CO₂ and the greenhouse effect, and project work on ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
I would also connect this learning to real-world action by having the class create climate awareness posters or short video messages, empowering them as changemakers within their school and community.
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The video HOME is an incredible documentary showcasing our extraordinary planet earth. The footage in the film is would be a wonderful teaching and learning resource in the classroom. The film would open the students’ eyes to the beauty of our planet, and create so many points of discussion around places, natural versus manmade, human activity, climate change, and so much more. The narration of the film is stark and I would love to see how my pupils would react to such a serious message about the effects of climate change. HOME clearly depicts how our beautiful planet is being destroyed by the misuse of the earth’s natural resources. We are all responsible for this destruction, and we are the only ones that can save it.
To introduce these climate change facts to my pupils I would first brainstorm what the pupils know about climate change- what it is, the causes and effects. I would then show some carefully selected clips of the video HOME to the class to show them how climate change and wasteful human activity will destroy our planet without action. This will lead to classroom discussions in pairs, groups and whole class. I will get their feedback on the most shocking revelations from the video. I will also elicit what they think we can do to save our planet.
I would also show the class the clip of Greta Thunberg where she speaks with such knowledge, passion and truth. This is a very compelling video, particularly because she is so young, and is a lesson to all of the children that anybody, even a child, can make a difference in saving our planet.-
You’ve captured the emotional power and educational value of HOME beautifully. I really like how you plan to guide your pupils through both the beauty and urgency presented in the film. Your idea of beginning with a brainstorm is a great way to tap into their prior knowledge and get them thinking critically from the start. Selecting specific clips ensures the message stays impactful without overwhelming them, and the follow-up discussions will really help deepen their understanding.
Including Greta Thunberg’s speech is a fantastic choice—her message is incredibly relatable for young people and will likely inspire your pupils to see themselves as capable of making a difference. I especially appreciated your emphasis on student voice and reflection through class discussions and feedback. Your approach clearly fosters empathy, awareness, and action—key goals in climate education.
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“HOME,” the documentary by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, is a powerful exploration of environmental damage and climate change. It’s crucial to emphasize that everyone has a role in protecting our planet and a shared responsibility to preserve it for future generations. The film covers issues like rising sea levels, deforestation, and pollution, all stemming from human activities. An engaging exercise would be to have two students, one representing life 500 years ago and the other from today, answer questions about their environmental impact. For example, a modern student would acknowledge the environmental harm caused by cars, a concept unknown 500 years ago. This comparison could extend to hand-washing versus washing machines, fast fashion, plastic usage, and modern commercial practices. This approach effectively highlights the often-unseen environmental consequences of our everyday choices, making the impact of our lifestyle choices more tangible and relatable.
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After viewing HOME by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, I would introduce the key messages to my class by first setting a calm, reflective atmosphere to match the film’s tone. We’d start with a brief, guided discussion to explore the visuals and emotions the students experienced while watching. I would then highlight some of the film’s key facts—such as deforestation, resource overuse, and the effects of fossil fuels—using clear visuals and age-appropriate language to aid understanding.
To help students connect global issues to their own lives, I’d relate these topics to everyday actions, like how we use energy at home or manage plastic waste in school. Small group discussions or think-pair-share activities would give pupils a chance to process the content and share their thoughts.
As a follow-up, students could take part in a project-based task, creating posters, presentations, or short videos on ways we can protect the planet. This cross-curricular approach would integrate Geography, Science, English, and SPHE, while encouraging empathy, awareness, and a sense of responsibility
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Setting a calm, reflective tone is such a great way to help pupils engage with the film’s powerful visuals and messages. The follow-up project work sounds engaging. Letting the pupils express what they’ve learned through posters, presentations or short videos gives them ownership of the message. The cross-curricular links you’ve made—especially with Geography, Science, and SPHE—are spot on and will really help reinforce the key messages of the film in a meaningful and lasting way.
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Module 3
Home – Yann Arthus
I have just finished watching this complete documentary. It is an amazing programme that outlines the impact that we as humans have had upon the earth.
Opening with powerful images and cinematography, with an emotive soundtrack it outlines the earth that was when time began. Initially I thought that this section was quite slow moving but would be wonderful if it was used as a thought provoking clip for older pupils to look back at the original planet in order for them to infer and consider the impacts that we as humans have had.
The pace begins to move quickly within 30mins, with related change to the pace of music and images presented.
Haunting facts about water and the use in Saudi Arabia of water from ancient times that is depleting. Luxurious use of water in Dubai is outlined in condemning their indulgent creation of living spaces in a desert climate.Las Vegas inhabitants are the greatest consumers of water, and once again both imagery and commentary note their excessive impact on resources. Reference is made to the fact that the Colorado river no longer reaches the sea.
The human consumption of palm oil is next to be considered, when the topic of deforestation comes up. Humans are leading the deforestation of living matter that bonds earth and the images portrayed outline this damage.This documentary could be the basis for a whole unit of work at any class level. The environmental topics outlined are broad, and the specific impact of climate change on our world is clearly and simply shared.
A wonderful resource – thank you. -
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The documentary Home offers a powerful and eye-opening depiction of humanity’s impact on Earth’s natural resources and the resulting devastation to plant and animal life. It highlights the intricate connections between climate, ecosystems, and biodiversity, emphasizing how human activity has disrupted this delicate balance. The film’s aerial imagery captures the beauty and fragility of diverse landscapes around the globe. Complemented by a dramatic and emotive musical score, the visuals leave a lasting impression.
To help my 4th class students understand climate change, I would start by showing brief, age-appropriate clips from the documentary, followed by guided class discussions to explore key ideas. I would incorporate my comprehension (Building bridges) strategies or predicting, de clunking and making connections in a station teaching lesson to analyse the clips. I’d connect the film’s content to topics like the difference between weather and climate, how we use energy, and the importance of sustainability. Hands-on activities could include collecting local weather data (such as temperature or rainfall), conducting simple experiments to demonstrate the greenhouse effect and CO₂’s role, and working on projects focused on practical ways to lower our carbon footprint.
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-The Climate Aid 2020 video is a reminder of the urgent need to act on climate change. What stands out is its clear message: climate change is not a future problem. It’s happening now. The video does a great job of making the issue feel both global and personal, showing how climate change affects everything from food and water to health and safety. It also offers a sense of hope by showing that solutions exist and that actions can make a difference. As a teacher, it’s a great conversation starter. It would work well with senior primary pupils (5th/6th class) help them think critically and emotionally about the world they live in—and their role in protecting it.
-HOME shows human impact on the Earth—deforestation, pollution, overconsumption, and the growing threat of climate change. Its tone is thought-provoking and calls for action in a gentle but urgent way. While the film is more suited to senior primary pupils (5th/6th class) due to its length and depth, selected short clips or key scenes could definitely be shown to younger classes with proper discussion and support. It’s an excellent resource to inspire a sense of global citizenship.
-Greta Thunberg’s speech at COP25 is powerful and honest. She speaks with clarity and urgency, reminding world leaders that climate change is happening now, and it’s the younger generations who will live with the consequences. Her speech would be a great discussion starter for older primary pupils, encouraging them to think about fairness, responsibility, and how young people can help lead the call for change.
-The Paxi video on the greenhouse effect from the last module is perfect for younger classes (3rd–4th)—it’s simple, animated, and explains complex concepts like greenhouse gases and melting ice caps in a very child-friendly way. It acts as a great trigger to start a lesson or unit on climate change.-
Hi Annette,
Thanks for your post and reflections on the resources provided. Each presents a different angle, from the beauty of Home, to the passion of Greta’s words, and even Paxi with his accessible science, and they all provide a powerful starting point to exploring this topic.
As you mentioned, the selection may be determined by class age, and in some instances, snippets may be more suitable. In time-poor situations, the trailer may cover the broad message, allowing more time to get into project work.
It is important to present climate change as a problem that is both local and global, has a solution, and can be solved. Eco anxiety can overwhelm learners if they do not see any solutions, of which there are so many underway. RTE Ecolution podcast for kids has lots of local examples of action.
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The film HOME, directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, is a powerful visual documentary that highlights the beauty of Earth and the serious impact of human activity on the environment. With breathtaking aerial footage from over 50 countries, the film explains how deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption are harming our planet. It’s an emotional call to protect the Earth before it’s too late.
For 9-year-olds, I would introduce these climate change facts gently and positively. I’d begin by showing pictures of beautiful places on Earth—forests, oceans, animals—and ask them what they love most about nature. Then, I’d explain how some of our actions, like wasting electricity or throwing away plastic, can hurt those places. Using simple language and short videos or stories, I’d emphasize how small changes—like recycling, planting trees, or turning off lights—can help protect our planet. The focus would be on hope, responsibility, and how they can be Earth’s helpers.
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The documentary ‘Home’ is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that explores the impact of human activity on the Earth’s climate. Using aerial footage from over 50 countries, it highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the fragile balance that sustains life. The narration is both informative and urgent, urging viewers to take action to protect our planet before it’s too late.
The music in Home is haunting and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the visuals. It creates an emotional tone that enhances the film’s message, making the viewer feel both awe and concern for the planet. The soundtrack helps build a sense of urgency without overwhelming the audience, making the facts even more impactful.
To teach children about climate change using this video, I would focus on the clear, visual storytelling and select specific fact, such as deforestation, melting glaciers, or fossil fuel usage. I would pair these scenes with age-appropriate discussions and hands-on activities, like creating posters or planting trees. By using the visuals and music to spark empathy and curiosity, children can better understand the importance of protecting our Earth and feel empowered to make small, meaningful changes in their own lives. -
There was a wide array of videos in this module. HOME was evocative and powerful. It consists of amazing footage of the beauty of our world and at the same time how fragile it is. I would adapt it for a class, viewing smaller select portions, as some children might find it upsetting. We would follow on with a discussion to ensure they understood the content and message and what changes we can make in our own lives.
Climate Aid 2020 and the accompanying song ‘Mad World’ was yet another powerful video and audio. It also focused on climate change and food shortages.
Greta Thunberg is such a brave young lady, and I really enjoyed her Ted Talk speech. I think children would relate to her passion.
I thought the footprint calculator was a great resource and enjoyed finding my own carbon footprint. It would be an easy tool to use and would help the children to understand that even small steps/ changes make a difference. It would be a useful homework project where the children interview family members and calculate the carbon footprint of each member and then of the whole family together. -
The film HOME by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a documentary that stays with you after you have watched it. It highlights the urgent realities of climate change and the human impact on our planet. The film conveys the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and highlights how deforestation, pollution, and fossil fuel dependency are accelerating global warming and destabilizing ecosystems. I would introduce these climate change facts in a sensitive and age-appropriate way making sure I am mindful of the impact this information can have on the children emotionally. I’d show some short clips from HOME and other videos, focusing on imagery that compares and contrasts biodiversity and diverse landscapes with visuals of the impacts of climate change. I would guide class discussions by asking children what they notice and how can they help with the impacts of climate change. Pupils could create posters to share what they’ve learned with the school community.
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I think the film HOME is highly beneficial for children. It combines stunning visuals with clear narrative and environmental messaging. It’s both inspiring and educational, fostering visual literacy and critical thinking. The film HOME is good for children because it uses beautiful visuals, clear storytelling, and a hopeful tone to help them understand the importance of taking care of our planet. It turns complex topics like climate change, deforestation, and pollution into ideas that are easy to grasp and emotionally meaningful. To introduce some of the concepts to my class I would show a clip of part of the film and then use this to start a meaningful and open ended class discussion. I would then plan some interesting follow up activities to ensure children are engaged such as designing a poster of “My Dream World” where children can draw and design a world of clean air, forests and animals etc.
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The video HOME is a visually clear and powerful documentary that highlights the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecosystems and the impact human activity has had on the planet. Its aerial footage and message make it both informative and emotionally compelling, offering a global perspective on climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and overconsumption. It’s a strong reminder of the urgency of environmental action and the need for sustainable living.
Other videos in the module, such as the Paxi explanation of greenhouse gases and the interactive tools, provide age-appropriate and engaging ways to break down complex topics. They complement HOME well by offering both the big picture and more focused, understandable science-based explanations.
For my pupils, I would introduce these climate change facts through a combination of visual media, class discussion, and hands-on projects. I would ask the children to record their thoughts on seesaw in a mini podcast review. Starting with visual storytelling helps capture interest, after which we could explore local data, sustainability challenges, and real-world actions they can take in their own communities.
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The film HOME is a very powerful resource that can be used in the classroom to highlight to the pupils how different areas and living creatures of the world are being affected by climate change. It shows the devastating effects human activity has on the Earth’s ecosystems. This film is sending a strong and powerful message that human activity is responsible for the crisis the world faces and that something has to be done to slow down or even reverse some of the damage already caused. The other clips shown over the course of the module are all sending the same message and highlighting the dangers of further climate change on our world.
To introduce these climate facts to my pupils I would show them some clips from the film as I think that the visuals would capture their attention better. I would encourage them to brainstorm ways that we as a school community could help to reduce our carbon footprint. We would discuss as a class what was shown on the film and I would stress the seriousness of the situation which they would have seen first hand on the screen. This will encourage them to think about the choices they make on a daily basis now and as they get older on the importance of all coming together to look after our world.-
I think you’ve summed it up really well! The visuals in Home definitely make the message hit harder, it’s one thing to hear about climate change, but seeing it like that really brings it to life. I love the idea of getting the class to brainstorm ways the school can reduce its carbon footprint. It gives them ownership of their learning. Getting them thinking early about their choices is so important.
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The film ‘HOME’ by Yann Arthus-Bertran is a fascinating and powerful video that shows us the impact we, as humans, have had on this planet so far. For children in a junior school it would be too much to show them this video in full – I feel breaking it up into much smaller sections or even just some of the pictures that are related to the topic we are doing that day would be more beneficial and the children will be able to concentrate and understand the topic better.
I believe that we need to focus on the positives for young children, things that they can do themselves that will help – recycling both in school and at home, walking to school or getting the bus instead of taking the car, using LED bulbs at home, turning off their tvs, games and lights once they are finished using them. Every small bit will help.
I enjoyed using the carbon footprint calculator but it was scary to see what impact I am having on the climate. I feel this calculator would be a fantastic resource to use with the senior side of the school as they will be able to use it themselves and they can also understand their impact on the climate.
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The Home documentary was very powerful and insightful. The scenery is beautiful and the way the film is made, makes you really think about the stark reality of this scenery and the extensive damage being done to it. I think that it would be a good teaching resource because the impact of human actions are shown very clearly. If you were teaching a younger class, you could use screenshots or still images from the film as a stimulus. I do think the film could be very engaging in older classes. I think Greta Thunburg’s Ted talk is probably the most useful resource of all. I agree with other participants that there is something very powerful about children recognising the activist as their peer. While students may be familiar with her and her cause, they may not have heard her speak in this capacity. It’s a great example of how social media can have a positive effect and also supports Autism awareness. I really liked the tool to rate your carbon footprint also and I think this could be an excellent resource for my 6th class next year.
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The film Home is a powerful resource that can be used to teach children about the devastating impact that humans can have on the environment. By outlining how over 0 different countries are affected, it gives students the opportunity to view the issue on a global scale and understand the impact. The visuals are powerful and gives students an understanding of the many complex environmental issues our planet faces. I would use this resource with older students and assign different snippets to groups, to have them summarize and present their learning.
The video clip detailing the Climate Action Plan will allow students to link their learning on a more local level, allowing them to make more real-life connections to the topic. Learning about the energy ratings of homes in Ireland, labelling on the packaging that they can find in their homes and plans for reducing single- use plastics here in Ireland really allow students to connect with the steps they can take to reduce climate impact. I would use this video when discussing how students can help the climate within Ireland.
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Hi Jessica,
Getting children in reading the packaging and looking for ways to reduce single use plastic is a great way to encourage children to have their own climate action plan. I often encourage my children to pick up one or two pieces of plastic or waste to in or recycle. I think if children think (and do) about this when they are at beach or out for a walk it would make them feel that they can do their bit to help save the environment.
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The film home is an excellent documentary. It shows us lots of beautiful images of our beautiful planet using aerial footage from over 50 countries. The narrator is a reflective tone and allows us an opportunity to think about what we are doing to our planet- deforestion, pollution, over consumption and climate change. The video explores the links between life on Earth and the impact humans are making on the environment. It highlights that we are at a critical time for our planet before the damage becomes irreversible. We should not forget during the covid period when humans were not allowed leave their homes- that wildlife returned to areas where they had not been seen in years and pollution in certain areas reduced greatly.
The video includes the challenges and encourages all humans to respond to save our shared home.
Climate change can be discussed in classes using stories for younger classes and songs about the planet.
I would show videos such as Greta Thunberg speaking.
I would encourage classroom discussions and creating posters.
I would also encourage groups to calculate their carbon footprints and discuss ways to reduce it-
Sharon,
I loved the tone of the narration – there was nothing scary or sensational in the tone but at the same time it was serious enough to warrant an understanding that we should listen.
I also liked the way the film ended with the different statements about it being too late for pessimism. I feel these could be especially useful for any viewers who might feel a bit overwhelmed by the messages of the film and they could be a good starting point for a discussion on taking action.
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HOME is a visually breathtaking, emotionally powerful documentary that serves as a wake-up call for environmental awareness.
While I feel it would be too long to show my class the entire documentary I would show them key parts such as the causes of global warming:Burning Fossil Fuels: burning of Coal and oil for energy and transportation.
Deforestation: Trees absorb CO₂; cutting them down reduces this!
Industrial & Agricultural Activities: Methane from livestock, rice paddies, and landfills; nitrous oxide from fertilizers.Discuss the Effects of Global Warming:
Rising Temperatures: More frequent and intense heatwaves.
Melting Ice & Rising Sea Levels.
Extreme Weather Events: Hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires are becoming more severe.
Human Health & Food Security: Heat stress, disease spread, and crop failures.It is important to highlight to the class that global warming is an urgent crisis requiring immediate action. Placing emphasis on how human activity is driving climate change, and without significant reductions in emissions, the planet will face catastrophic consequences. Helping the class understand how living a sustainable life can ensure a livable future for generations to come is the main objective here!
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The film HOME and the accompanying video clips in this module offer a powerful and emotional insight into the beauty of our planet and the damage caused by human activity. The aerial footage in HOME is visually stunning and captures the attention of viewers immediately, making complex environmental issues more accessible and real. The other clips help break down these issues further, showing the effects of climate change in different parts of the world.
For my 4th class pupils, I would introduce these climate change facts gradually and sensitively. I would start by showing short clips that highlight the wonders of nature, encouraging a sense of appreciation and curiosity. From there, we could explore more challenging clips that show the impacts of climate change, using guided discussion to help pupils understand what they are seeing. To make it relevant, I would link the learning to local actions, such as recycling, reducing energy use, and protecting biodiversity around our school.-
Hi Isobel
The documentary Home is very visually appealing and it would great to watch aspects of this in your own class. However, as you have mentioned it depends on your own class and I agree that you should introduce the climate change facts gradually and sensitively with a view to showing pupils what they can do and empowering them to make changes in their own local area such as recycling and reducing energy use as you have mentioned.
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The film Home is really powerful and visually amazing. The aerial footage is beautiful but also pretty shocking, it shows how much damage we have done to the planet through things like deforestation, pollution, and melting ice caps. I think it’s a great way to get students in more senior classes to understand the seriousness of climate change without it feeling like just another lesson full of facts. The images really speak for themselves and grab your attention. If I were introducing this to my class, I’d pick out a few short clips that show strong contracts, like healthy forests vs. cleared land, or cities taking over natural areas. Some consideration to the maturity levels within the class would need to thought about before showing any clips. Then I’d ask my class what they noticed or how it made them feel. I think that opens the door for a really honest and interesting discussion. After that, I’d bring in some simple facts from the movie, maybe use a quiz or some visuals to help them understand the bigger picture. I’d also focus on the positive side, how we can make changes and fix things. I’d conclude by asking them what small changes they could make in their own lives to help the planet. It’s all about making it real and hopeful for the students, not scary.
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Hi Cliodhna
Welcome to the course, thanks for sharing your views on the documentary Home. I agree that is is visually amazing and would grab the attention of senior pupils. I like how you plan to show different clips and show the contrast between healthy forests and cleared land. It would encourage the pupils to observe and critically think about the changes and the effects on the environment. I also agree that showing clips from this documentary depends on the pupils in your class. At times there can be high levels of anxiety among pupils regarding climate change and we have to focus on positive aspects such as the pupils themselves being agents of change and empowering them to make changes in their own locality. As you have said, it is about making it real and hopeful for the students.
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This engaging and age-appropriate video explains climate change in simple, visual terms—how greenhouse gases warm the planet and the importance of caring for our environment. The friendly narration and colorful animations keep young learners engaged, showing the cause-and-effect relationship in a way junior infants can grasp.
I would introduce these climate facts by first watching the video as a class, prompting questions like, “What makes our Earth too warm?” and “Why do trees matter?” Then, I’d lead a hands-on activity: planting a small tree or caring for classroom plants to show how they help absorb greenhouse gases. We could also draw pictures of healthy and unhealthy Earth scenarios, linking visuals to the video’s message.
To reinforce learning, I’d set up a “Weather Detective” corner where pupils track daily weather, notice changes, and discuss how our actions—like using less energy or walking instead of driving—can protect the planet. This approach makes abstract climate ideas meaningful, memorable, and actionable for young minds.
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The clips in Lesson 3 will act as a stark reminder to adults and children that the climate change crisis is real. I would be careful not introduce to many horrible truths to children (straight away) as this could potentially scare them or begin to judge the actions of their family who may already be doing their best to manage a household and pay bills.
Firstly, by adopting the weather vs climate pdf and encouraging children to become climate reporters children will be able to see that weather/climate is different throughout the world. I would also do the experiments Nose High Up in the Sky and Earth Under the Lid. This should act as a good and not too harsh introduction to the climate change crisis.
Throughout these lessons I would question what things we can do at home and what things should our government do to help families and schools make these changes e.g. solar panels on schools, free use of Brown bins, more education on food waste etc.
I would then show clips or for older children the full version of HOME and encourage them to show their family and friends. I think the greatest impact this film and many other clips e.g. Greta Thunberg talking at the G20 summit is to get children talking both in school and at home. I would set them a challenge to do an audit of their carbon footprint with their families and look for ways in order to reduce their footprint. This could be presented in the format of a digital home video, a presentation or simply pictures of what families are doing to make a difference.
I would be realistic and point out that not every family can swap from oil heating to a heat pump overnight but that we can e.g. eat what is on our plate, eat more vegetables and less meat, turn off lights and appliances when not in use, walk/cycle to school and encourage parents to recycle. In our school we use the motto reduce, reuse and recycle so I would encourage children to look for ways in order to do this e.g. Christmas and Halloween clothing drive, to wash their yoghurt pots (for example) before going home and recycle sensibly.
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Hi Stephanie
It is definitely a fine line between educating children on the realities of climate change and the actions that we can all take to reduce our impact and being seen to blame parents and families. Like you, I always stive to be realistic when talking about actions. While educating children about things like renewable energies and insulation, it is important to acknowledge that installing solar panels or buying an electric car are things that cost money and may not be feasible for many people, but that saving energy and choosing what we buy and what we use are actions that everyone can get involved in and that many of the actions we can take to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will not cost anything and will in fact save money. When asking about energy saving measures I like to focus on things that the children can do themselves.
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After watching the film Home, I would split the film in to sections to study with my class. I would play the first 10mins to elicit interest before moving on with lessons on the Earth’s atmosphere, greenhouse gases and the impact on our world. We would then research Greta Thunberg and her personal goals in relation to taking action in making a change. The film would be used throughout our block of learning about weather to further understand and educate as well as inspire the pupils.
I also think the carbon footprint questionnaire would be a great activity to complete with the children but also with parents to involve the wider school community. We could tie these questionnaires with our Green School links programme.
Cross curricular links could be explored through debates and poems in English and Drama, posters in Art, experiments in science, song or raps in Music etc. What would normally be a weeks topic would be stretched out to a longer more in depth teaching.
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Hi Mary…. I love your idea of linking it with Greta Thunberg’s activism; it gives the topic real-world relevance and shows students how young people can make a difference too! I agree with you that the carbon footprint questionnaire is a brilliant way to involve families and strengthen the Green School links. I was thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to even display class results in a visual format like a bar chart or footprint wall.
I like your ideas for cross-curricular links through debates and poems in English!! Definitely something I will consider doing with my 4th class next year as it will allow the children to showcase their learning in a creative manor.
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Hi Mary, I agree with Hannah. I think thats a a fantastic idea to link it with Greta Thunberg’s activism. Students are already aware of her and theres no doubt shes an influential role . I also think the opportunities’ for cross curricular links are endless , but especially in English for debating, researching and projects.
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The movie Home was stark and hard hitting on many levels and I think it would invoke some great discussions among pupils in the senior classes in particular.
Some of the statistics given were shocking, such as, the number of cars in LA is equal to the number of inhabitants. There are 900 million vehicles in the world today, so if every town/city in every country took on the LA model we’d have another 7 billion in circulation!
The movie stated that by the end of the century, due to excessive mining, we will have depleted the world of its natural resources – the very resources we use to heat our home and fuel our cars today. A statistic I’ve heard before but really hit me watching the movie was that 20% of Earth’s population consume 80% of the resources.
Some of the most frightening scenes showed how fish stocks are depleting and that fish is the staple diet of 1 in 5 humans.
There is a lot of work to be done to slow down climate change but if ever anyone needed motivation to do their part, watching this movie would spur them on. -
The video “Causes and Effects of Climate Change” is a great way to introduce children to climate change in an engaging and age-appropriate way. After watching, students can take part in a “climate detectives” activity where they identify causes (like car emissions) and effects (like melting ice caps) using picture cards. To make it more interactive, children can role-play as scientists, animals, or weather reporters to explain how climate change affects different parts of the world. A simple experiment—like placing ice cubes in sunny and shady spots—can help them observe melting and discuss rising temperatures. Pupils can also create posters showing how to help the planet. These hands-on, creative tasks help reinforce the video’s message while making learning fun and memorable. It encourages curiosity, empathy, and action—perfect for young learners exploring big global issues.
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The film HOME is a visually stunning and emotionally impactful documentary that highlights the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecosystems and the dramatic effects human activity has had on the planet. Its use of aerial footage and narrative storytelling powerfully conveys the urgency of climate change, deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources.
I would introduce these materials gradually, ensuring that pupils have a solid foundation of key vocabulary and concepts. I’d start with using HOME selectively. While HOME is powerful, its tone may be intense for younger pupils. I would show short, carefully chosen clips—especially those that show the beauty of nature, human impact, and hope through sustainable practices. These could be used to prompt group discussions or reflective writing. Following on from this I would try and encourage and foster critical thinking.
After watching, students could compare natural landscapes shown in the videos with areas affected by human impact. This could be done through drawing, discussion, or a simple sorting activity (e.g., “natural vs. human-influenced”). Finally I’d encourage children to make connections to everyday life. Pupils could explore ways their own actions (and those of their families or school) affect the environment. Activities could include carbon footprint tracking, a class eco-project, or designing posters on how to reduce waste and energy use. -
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oduce the climate change facts from HOME to your 5th class pupils, begin with a striking aerial screenshot from the film to capture their attention. Explain that HOME shows our planet from above and highlights how humans are affecting it—melting ice, deforestation, and rising sea levels.
Show short clips focusing on one theme at a time—perhaps ice melt or water shortages—then pause and ask pupils what they notice and how it connects to their own lives. Use graphic organizers like a “cause and effect” chart or drawing boards for them to illustrate what they see. Incorporate simple facts from the film (e.g. “we only have 10 years to act”), prompting pupils to reflect on why it’s urgent and what they could do.
Finally, link the content to local examples—perhaps on how our local coastline or farming might change—to help them see climate change as something that matters here and now.
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I found the film Home a really fantastic film with stunning imagery and brilliant information. It would be a great film to show to older students but I feel that it could be used more effectively in segments with primary school students.
I think I would link segments of the film to other lessons like Geography, Science, History to show the link between what we do,how we live and the golbal impact of climate change. For example if you were looking at Agriculture, you could show the segment from the film that deals with that and then generate a discussion on how things have changed in recent years, the impact of our way of farming/eating etc on water, land here and in other parts of the world etc.
There is great scope to use the film alongside the other videos in this module, adapted to suit the age/ability of the young people and to tie in with other subject areas.
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Both the Home video and Greta Thunberg’s speech are powerful ways to help 5th class pupils connect with the reality of climate change. Home uses beautiful visuals to show how everything on Earth is connected; nature, people, and the climate. It’s eye-opening and really makes you stop and think about how humans affect the planet. Greta’s speech, on the other hand, is passionate and direct. Her words are strong, but they come from someone close to their age, which can really inspire pupils to care and speak up.
To share these with the class, I’d show short, selected clips from each one. With Home, I’d pause to talk about what they see and how it makes them feel. With Greta’s speech, I’d focus on her main message about taking action, then ask pupils what small changes they could make to help. We could create posters, poems, or a class pledge to protect the planet. It’s a great mix of emotion, discussion, and creativity.
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I thought the film ‘Home’ was an extremely powerful film. It was beautifully shot and I thought its use of aerial photography was particularly impactful. I also loved Glenn Close’s narration which I felt was quite poetic at times and really brought the visuals together. The film really highlighted the interconnected issues of consumerism, resource depletion, habitat destruction, the impact of agriculture and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
I feel that for primary school children I would probably show the film in segments and use to involve the children in discussion and critical thinking. It would be important to have open discussions on the topics covered in the film as there are parts of it that might be very worrisome and bleak for children so it would be critical that they know we are using it as a tool to empower us to make positive changes that can help the Earth.
The film would lend itself well to research projects on environmental issues such as water conservation, endangered species, the circular econemy.I would also definitely use the Greta Thunberg Ted Talk. The children are already familiar with her and many view her as a role model. I think for them to see her speaking as a teenager would really encourage them to believe that young people can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
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Hi Nicola,
I really like your idea of showing Home in shorter sections and using it to encourage open discussions. It’s so important to balance the serious issues with hope and action, especially for younger children. Breaking it down like that would help make the big topics more understandable and less overwhelming.
I also agree that involving pupils in research projects like water conservation or endangered species would give them a chance to explore solutions and feel empowered. Using Greta Thunberg’s talk is a great way to show kids that young people really can make a difference. Seeing someone their own age speak so passionately is inspiring and can motivate them to get involved themselves.
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Home Video
This video explains the different CO2 emissions. It explains how humans have destroyed the life that was given to us. Humans have disrupted the balance of life on earth. The video HOME a depiction of how Earth’s problems are all interlinked due to the pressure humanity has placed on the environment and the consequences of climate change.
4 billion years ago. Humans have destroyed it in 200,00 years. I would introduce this video to the class by asking them how they can help to restore the balance of life on earth.Climate Aid Video
It outlines that what we do in the next two years will profoundly effect what happens for the next few thousand years.
We need to take action to prevent
• Forest fires
• Loss of wild life
• Loss of natural habitats
Gretta Thurnberg outlines that we have run out of excuse and time.I would introduce this video to the children by asking them what they predict our planet will look like in 20 years time if we don’t take action.
The Climate Action Plan Video
This out lines a roadmap to net zero green house gas emissions by 2050.
• By 2030 70% of energy used will be renewable energy.
• Homes will be graded to a B2 level
• One use plastic packing should be reusable or recyclable.
• 600,000 heat pumps will be installed.I would introduce this video to the pupils by asking them how you can help with climate action at home and school.
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The film HOME really shows how beautiful our planet is while also pointing out the serious damage humans have caused to the environment. The aerial shots are incredible and make you think about how much we rely on Earth’s ecosystems, but the film also makes it clear that our actions are having a big impact. The other videos in this module help explain important climate facts in simple ways, which I think would really help pupils understand what’s happening around them.
If I were using these videos with my class, I’d start by showing clips from HOME to grab their attention and help them connect emotionally with the planet’s situation. After watching, I’d have a class chat where they can share their thoughts and feelings. Then we could do activities like measuring our own carbon footprints or looking at ways to make the school more eco-friendly. I want the kids to feel like they can make a difference, even with small actions. -
The film HOME by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is visually powerful and thought-provoking. It highlights the impact of climate change on ecosystems and human life in a way that’s both informative and emotional. I think it’s particularly effective for older primary classes, as it encourages deeper thinking and critical discussion.
The additional videos in the module, like those featuring Greta Thunberg, are excellent for showing pupils how young people can influence change. Greta’s story is inspiring and relatable, and it gives children a clear example of student voice and action.
To introduce these ideas in class, I would break them into smaller parts. For example, we could watch short clips from HOME and discuss the key messages, then follow up with creative responses like artwork or posters. The goal would be to make climate change understandable, but also to focus on actions we can take locally, so pupils feel empowered, not overwhelmed.-
Hi Denis,
I really like your approach—breaking the content into smaller parts is such a smart way to keep it accessible and engaging for pupils. HOME definitely lends itself to powerful discussion, and I agree it works especially well with older classes who can think critically about the issues. Including Greta Thunberg’s story is a great way to show the impact young people can have—it’s relatable and empowering. I also love your idea of using creative responses like posters or artwork to help students process what they’ve learned. Focusing on local actions is a great way to keep things hopeful and motivating.
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‘Home’ brilliantly portrays the beauty of our planet. By combining striking imagery along with effective music and narration, we are shown many different amazing landscapes. This documentary would appeal really well to visual and auditory learners, and would act as a great stimulus for sparking whole-class discussion on various topics such as deforestation, carbon emissions, extreme weather etc. The children would learn of the fragile relationship that humans have with nature, and of the destruction that we have been causing to our ecosystem. I would love to show clips of this documentary along with the video of Greta Thunberg at COP25 to a senior class as a way of getting children to think about the effects that we all have on our planet. I would get them to work out their carbon footprints using the link provided in this module, and to work in groups to come up with some practical solutions for reducing our individual impact on the planet. The children might do projects in the form of making digital posters (e.g. on Canva), creating digital stories on Book Creator, or by creating narrated stop-motion videos.
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Hi Andy! I really like your idea of combining Home with Greta Thunberg’s speech. It would definitely make a powerful impact on a senior class. The visual and auditory elements of the documentary are so engaging, and I agree it’s a great way to spark meaningful discussions around climate issues like deforestation and carbon emissions. Getting the children to calculate their carbon footprints is a brilliant way to make the topic more personal and relevant. I also love your creative project ideas using digital tools like Canva and Book Creator gives students a chance to express their learning in really engaging ways.
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Hi Andy, The documentary ‘Home’ is impactful and the striking cinematography would captivate a class. I agree that it could be used as a stimulus for class discussion and for debates on topics such as deforestation and carbon emissions. Pupils will engage with the carbon footprint calculator as it is relevant to their own lives. They can work together to come up with solutions to reduce their individual carbon footprint. I admire your ideas on using Book Creator and Canva for projects on Climate as these tools have immense potential across a wide range of topics.
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Home is a visually stunning film with a powerful message. The facts it shares are really eye-opening, especially when combined with such breathtaking footage. Like David Attenborough’s video from the previous module, it starts by looking at how the Earth was formed and spends time focusing on that. I also like that the film is split into clear sections, which makes it easier to choose specific parts to show to children. It’s a great way to introduce the topic of climate change to younger students.
If I were teaching it, I’d begin by using it in a Geography or SPHE lesson to explore the Earth itself, without diving into climate change straight away. That way, children can really take in the wonder of the planet’s beginnings. The way the film moves into modern human development also feels like a celebration of human innovation.-
Hi Sarah
I like the idea of using some of the more positive footage of Home to explore the origan of the Earth and the history of development for Geography and History lessons. Using this footage to highlight how wonderful the Earth is and how it sustains all human and animal life is a nice way to foster an appreciation of the Earth in children before introducing them to Climate Change. Some of the more stark footage of the damage we are doing to the Earth might be used more sparingly as discussion points or the lessons on Climate Change might be better taught using some of the other videos and resources instead.
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The documentary ‘Home’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is compelling in highlighting the devastation caused by humanity. The aerial shots are captivating and focus on various locations around the planet. No part of the globe is left unaffected.
The Climate Aid video is moving and the message hits home quickly in this short video. It also shows the negative effects of deforestation and pollution. This could be used as a stimulus at the start of a lesson. I would use clips from the ‘Home’ video and link them to the relevant activities throughout the year.
I think pupils would relate to the Greta Thunberg TED Talk by hearing a young person speak about climate change. She is a role model for children. I found the video on Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2019 to be positive. It demonstrates in simply and clearly steps we are taking locally. The Carbon Footprint calculator is an excellent tool to use with the class and it gives recommendations at end of the test.-
Hi Freda,
Thanks for your post and welcome to the course!
I am glad to see the diverse range of videos and resources being considered for your learners as a stimulus. I think keeping the Home footage to clips is advantageous, as while it is breathtakingly beautiful and important to see, there is also an activity/project to carry out, and time is precious!
You mention the Climate Action Plan 2019 being positive, and I think that it is really important to focus on the positives. We can all do something, and the carbon footprint calculator is a great eye-opener for how we all can make changes.
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Hi Freda, I agree with the idea of using Greta Thunberg as a role model as she is relatable to the students. I will also be using the materials on Ireland’s Action Plan as I think this is one of the most relevant aspects of the module. The students can look at their local area, their impact and what Ireland is trying to achieve and if Ireland is on track or not.
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The film ‘Home’ is a powerful, striking piece of cinematography that portrays Earth’s environmental crises and the impact of human activities on climate change. It highlights how human activities such as deforestation, pollution and intensive agriculture etc have disrupted and damaged the Earth’s ecosystems. I think it would be a fantastic visual resource to use to introduce children to the topic of climate change.
I think the Greta Thunberg Ted Talk video would be a great video to use in the classroom as she is a young person most children are already familiar with and they see as a role model. I believe this video would also highlight for pupil’s how young people can make a change in fighting against climate change.
I also think the Climate Ad video was very powerful and I would show this to older classes to help them gain a better understanding of the dangerous impact of human activities on our planet and on animals habitats.
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The film HOME is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful documentary that presents the story of Earth’s natural beauty alongside the stark impact of human activity. Through breathtaking aerial footage and thoughtful narration, it captures the urgency of climate issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change in a way that is accessible and impactful for students. The other video clips included in the module also break down complex environmental topics into simple, relatable ideas, making them ideal for primary classrooms.
To introduce these climate change facts to my pupils, I would begin by showing short, age-appropriate clips from HOME to spark curiosity and emotional connection. These would act as conversation starters, leading to discussions, fact-finding activities, and critical thinking tasks. I’d also incorporate cross-curricular links—writing reflective pieces in literacy, analyzing data in maths, or creating artwork inspired by nature. Group projects, such as school eco-audits or Green Schools initiatives, could further empower students to take action in their own community.
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‘Home’ is a visually powerful documentary that presents the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecosystems and the impact of human activity on the environment. If using in a class, I would use segments of the film to emphasise key points and introduce the complex topic of climate change in a way that is accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking. The film’s stunning aerial footage and clear narration make it an ideal tool for engaging students. The video would help students to define climate change, the causes and visible effects. When students see these changes in action, pupils can form a clearer mental picture of what climate change looks like around the globe. The video provides a terrific platform for critical thinking and deep, meaningful conversations. Questions about ‘Home’ could lead into class debates, group work, and critical thinking tasks about sustainability, conservation, and the role of human activity in shaping the planet’s future. Finally, the video provides a great starter to a project on climate change.
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To introduce the climate change facts from the video ‘Home’ I would begin with an introduction of showing the pupils how beautiful and full of life our earth is which is the key message that we want to get across. I would shoe the students some visuals from the video displaying the forest, oceans and animals.
I would then introduce the key messages from ‘Home’ in a child-friendly way.
Example: Melting ice-caps – The earth is warming up which means big icebergs are melting and polar animals are beginning to lose their homes. We would want the children to understand that people caused some of these problems but we can play a big part in fixing it.
I would then show some clips from the video ‘Home’ and ask the students some simple questions. ‘What do you see?’ ‘How do you think the animals feel when trees ate cut down?’ ‘How can we help the earth to stay healthy?’
I would then ask the children to draw what they think the earth looks like when happy and what the earth looks like when sad.
I would then end the lesson by stating that the earth is our only home and we need to take care of it and keep it happy.
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