I'm a teacher and the Author of the Amazon e-book;' Time Smart Teaching' and my mission is to create Geography resources to help teachers save time and reduce their workload. I am sharing additional time saving tips for teachers on my YOUTUBE channel ' Time Smart Teaching' if you fancy dropping by!
I'm a teacher and the Author of the Amazon e-book;' Time Smart Teaching' and my mission is to create Geography resources to help teachers save time and reduce their workload. I am sharing additional time saving tips for teachers on my YOUTUBE channel ' Time Smart Teaching' if you fancy dropping by!
This 4th lesson in our cold climate series ’ Pole to Pole’ allows students to discover Antarctica through a virtual Antarctic cruise. They will learn to annotate the Antarctic icy landscape and discover what tourist activities away those on the cruise. We also compare how the Arctic is different from the Antarctic using a true or false quiz- the students find the answer by studying and comparing the 2 maps of the poles.
A pond is an example of a small-scale ecosystem that we typically student at GCSE Geography. Pond ecosystems depend on balance and equllibrium of all the interdependant parts that make it up; both the living ( biotic) and non-living ( abiotic). This lesson presumes you are lucky enough to have a pond on, or close to your school site to visit and carry out the field sketching tasks. However, if not, there is a detailed picture of a pond ecosystem on the slide they can copy if needed. Students start with a discussions, recap on producers, consumers and decomposers ( this lesson assumes a base-line understanding on food chains). Students sketch the pond with guidance and label appropriately using the mini-beasts spotter card to help them identify animals found on the pond, or through pond-dipping There is an exit card/ small write up task at the end.
This full lesson explores the producers, consumers and decomposers in a pond, aquatic ecosystem. Pond ecosystems are small, yet dynamic, and sensitive to change. It helps if you have access to a pond for sketching but it is not essential. Students will analyse a pond food web to pick out individual food chains. They will be able to identify producers, consumers and decomposers and explain how interdependance works in this ecosystem between the biotic and abiotic parts.
This resource builds on students prior understanding of the biotic and abiotic parts of the pond ecosystem, to develop critical thinking skills or thunks. This resource present series of scenarios where man-made or natural actions cause an element of change in the pond ecosystem and food chain. Students must annotate their blank pond diagram, like the example shown, in order to likely or possible changes that happen as a direct or indirect result. This flexible activity could be done as a starter, in pairs or larger groups. Possibly as a carousel revision activity, or as a stimulus for an exam response. I would encourage students to share their annotations with the class and explain why they think these things will happen. Links with the ‘Living World’ aqa GCSE Geography specification.
This full lesson gets students thinking about describing and explaining where most of the world’s ice is found. The Tundra biome is found at far north and south latitudes where the days are short and the winters are long. Permafrost and taiga forests are located here and only well adapted plants and animals survive, hence the name ’ treeless mountain tract’. The lesson has a differentiated map task where student must shade and label places within the tundra biome. There is also a match-up activity where they must link up definitions of icy landscape features with their pictures: glaciers, ice sheet, ice caps and snow patches.
This 6th lesson in our cold climate series aimed at year 7 / 8 examines why Arctic sea ice is reducing year on year due to climate change. Students develop their timeline skills to collect information on how ice cores show changes in air quality over time. Students then utilise their completed time line on sea ice to answer questions to test their understanding of the issues presented in the lesson.
Harry Potter Film Locations Exploration - KS3 Geography Worksheet Lesson
Description:
Embark on a magical journey through the enchanting film locations of the Harry Potter series with our engaging KS3 geography worksheet lesson. Designed for students in years 7 and 8, this resource takes advantage of the captivating world created by J.K. Rowling to teach essential map skills and geographical knowledge.
Key Features:
Interactive GIS Map Exploration: Utilize the free and user-friendly Interactive GIS map from the Visit Britain website, allowing students to delve into the various filming locations featured in ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban’ and ‘The Deathly Hallows.’
Map Skills Reinforcement: Enhance students’ map skills, including direction, scale, distance, and a basic understanding of map symbols, as they navigate through the interactive exercises.
Accessible for All Abilities: Suitable for all ability levels within years 7 and 8, the worksheet offers a range of questions to challenge and engage students at different levels.
Extension Task: Challenge more able students with an extension task, encouraging them to create a tour around the UK showcasing five key film locations. A PDF printable proforma is provided to assist students in planning their Harry Potter Tour.
Why Choose This Resource?
Theme-Based Learning: Leverage the popularity of the Harry Potter series to make geography lessons exciting and relatable for students.
Independent Learning: Structured for both class and home-based learning, the activities can largely be completed independently, promoting student autonomy.
Ideal for:
Geography teachers looking to integrate popular culture into their lessons.
Educators seeking interactive and independent learning opportunities for KS3 students.
Transform geography lessons into a magical adventure. Download now and let your students explore the wizarding world while mastering essential map skills!
Creative Travel Writing Adventure - Exploring Siberia on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Description:
Embark on an imaginative journey across the vast and enchanting landscapes of Siberia, Russia, as students dive into our captivating lesson, a part of our ‘Pole to Pole’ unit. Tailored for year 7 and adaptable for other KS3 classes, this lesson invites students to unleash their creativity through travel writing on the renowned Trans-Siberian Railway.
Key Features:
Geographical Exploration: Delve into the cold and sparsely populated region of Siberia, showcasing its breathtaking beauty and important landmarks such as the iconic River Ob and the stunning Lake Baikal.
Map Integration: Students utilize maps to anchor their writing, seamlessly incorporating geographical features into their narratives.
Differentiation: Abundant writing frames and resources cater to diverse abilities, ensuring an inclusive and enriching experience for all students.
Literacy Skills Focus: Elevate literacy skills as students are encouraged to write in a compelling travel-journalism style, transporting readers on an imaginary adventure through Siberia.
Why Choose This Resource?
Immersive Learning: Engage students in a hands-on exploration of geography and creative writing, fostering a deep connection to the subject matter.
Differentiated Approach: Cater to various learning styles and abilities with tailored resources, making the lesson accessible and enjoyable for every student.
Cross-Curricular Integration: Seamlessly integrate geography and language arts, promoting a holistic approach to learning.
Ideal for:
Geography teachers seeking an interdisciplinary lesson plan.
Educators focusing on creative writing skills development.
Elevate your geography class with this exciting lesson. Download now and guide your students on a captivating journey through Siberia’s wonders!
Unveiling the Complexities of Climate Change - GCSE Geography Lesson with True or False Plenary
Description:
Explore the multifaceted factors influencing climate change with our comprehensive lesson designed to align seamlessly with the new Oxford blue GCSE textbooks. Delve into the intricate world of global temperature fluctuations, examining not only the impact of increased CO2 emissions but also the intriguing influences of super volcano eruptions and solar cycles.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Understanding: Equip your students with an in-depth knowledge of the greenhouse effect and various natural causes contributing to both global warming and cooling.
Textbook Synergy: Aligned with the new Oxford blue GCSE textbooks, this lesson seamlessly integrates with existing coursework, providing a supplementary and enriching learning experience.
Engaging Plenary: Wrap up the session with an interactive TRUE or False plenary, allowing students to consolidate their understanding in a lively and enjoyable manner.
Bonus Link: Enhance learning beyond the classroom with a bonus lesson link to a documentary, offering students a deeper exploration of the topics covered.
Why Choose This Resource?
Holistic Perspective: Move beyond textbook theories and explore a range of factors influencing climate change, offering students a more comprehensive understanding.
Interactive Assessment: Reinforce learning through an engaging TRUE or False plenary, promoting active participation and knowledge retention.
Ideal for:
Geography teachers looking to enhance climate change education with a well-rounded perspective.
Educators seeking engaging and interactive resources to complement standard textbooks.
Elevate your geography classroom with this illuminating lesson on climate change causes. Download now to empower your students with a nuanced understanding of global temperature dynamics!
Manchester is a rapidly growing economic centre in the heart of Northern England. It is therefore an appropriate case study example to study for the GCSE Geography ‘Urban Issues & Challenges’ topic for the AQA spec. This internet research and study lesson focuses on 6 key characteristics of Manchester ( tourism, education, culture, Industry, Transport & religion), and how they come together to build the city as an important both nationally and globally. There are website links for each of these factors, so this lesson is suitable for home-study if needed. There is a grid for students to make notes on all 6 key areas. This lesson was originally designed so that small groups could each take a factor, and go away and build a presentation to bring back to the rest of the group. In that way, they become experts on one specific facet of the city. This framework could easily be adapted for a different HIC case study, if desired.
The characteristics of sustainable cities must encompass social/ environmental / economic advantages to be holistic. This lesson introduces the concept of a sustainable city, by looking at the Bedzed zero carbon residential development in London. The lesson is aimed at the middle ability. mains tasks involve a gap fill to complete statements on what sustainable cities should look like, and be doing. Following this there is a video to make notes on Bedzed, which they then annotate around an image of the development. Finally there is a 9 mark GCSE past exam question with a mark scheme for peer assessment. This lesson fits in with the Urban Issues and Challenges topic, where students must know an example of a sustainable city.
The evidence around man made climate change centres around the strong relationship between co2 parts per million in the atmosphere, and the global average temperature. This full lesson examines in depth the data for this correlation and other evidence, such as steady Arctic sea ice decline. There are 2 lessons to choose from, with a mix and match opportunity to select tasks that best fit the needs of your class.
In this 3rd lesson on our cold environments series ’ Pole to Pole’ we explore how the resourceful and hardy ’ Nennet’ tribe have made a lifestyle herding reindeer throughout Siberia, Russia. Students must use their geographical enquiry skills to gather information about the tribe through an information hunt activity, building in kinathstetic learning experiences into the classroom. There is a link to video content from Simon Reeve’s 'Russia ’ series in which he faces frost nip whilst travelling with the tribe.
Advent calendars are traditionally associated with the December count down to 25th, Christ’s birthday. At the end, kids can look forward to earnings their biggest chocolate on Christmas day. This advent calender is perfect to use with years 7 8 and 9 in the final classes before the festive break. These can be used as mini starters, or take up the whole lesson. The answers to the questions on each day are provided, so make sure you have small chocolates or candy to give out for any students who complete and self mark their quiz. There is a mixture of vocab, general knowledge, map skills, locational knowledge throughout plus all important literacy. anagrams. Use this resource in conjunction with my original ’ 3D stand up geography christmas trees’ to get a fabulous festive geography display going in your classroom.
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Title: Exploring Human Impacts on Cold Climates - Antarctica Lesson Plan
Description:
Discover the delicate balance between humanity and the pristine Antarctic environment with our engaging lesson, the fifth installment in our ‘Pol to Pole’ cold climate series. Building upon the thrilling insights gained from Lesson 4 on Antarctic Cruise and extreme tourism, students delve deeper into understanding human impacts on cold climates and specifically Antarctica.
Key Learning Objectives:
Evaluate and prioritize human threats to cold climates through a dynamic diamond 9 activity.
Develop critical thinking skills by identifying the most pressing and urgent challenges faced by Antarctica.
Encourage environmental stewardship by crafting an international code of conduct for Antarctic scientists and visitors.
Why Choose This Resource?
Rigorous analysis: Engage students in thoughtful discussions as they assess and rank human threats to Antarctica.
Practical application: Foster a sense of responsibility as students contribute to the creation of an international code of conduct for those interacting with this fragile ecosystem.
Ideal for:
Geography teachers seeking interactive and impactful lessons.
Educators looking to instill environmental awareness and responsibility in their students.
Boost your geography class with this immersive lesson on the human impact on Antarctica. Download now and empower your students to be environmental stewards!
Explore the Icy Wonders - Tundra Biome Lesson Bundle for KS3 Geography
Description:
Immerse your KS3 Geography classes in the captivating realm of cold climates and the tundra biome with our comprehensive lesson bundle. This series of 6 full lessons, meticulously designed and successfully taught to Year 7 classes by an Ofsted outstanding department for 5 years, promises an engaging journey that nurtures map-making skills, journalism writing, evaluation, and timeline creation.
Lesson Highlights:
Introduction to the Tundra: Build a foundational understanding of the icy tundra biome, allowing students to grasp its unique characteristics and ecological significance.
Glacial Landscape Features: Dive into the world of glacial landscapes, empowering students to name and describe a range of features while fostering an appreciation for the geological wonders of cold climates.
Map Making Skills: Develop essential map-making skills as students chart the intricate details of the tundra biome, enhancing their spatial awareness and geographical knowledge.
Journalism Writing: Unleash creativity through journalism writing, encouraging students to articulate their insights on the tundra biome with engaging narratives.
Evaluating Impact: Explore the effects of extreme tourism and climate change on icy environments, fostering critical thinking and awareness of environmental challenges.
Creating Timelines: Cap off the series by guiding students in the creation of timelines, providing a visual representation of key events and changes in cold climates.
Key Features:
Proven Success: Designed and taught successfully for five years by an Ofsted outstanding department, ensuring quality and effectiveness.
Skill Development: Each lesson targets different skills, creating a well-rounded learning experience for students.
Enjoyable and Engaging: Infuse a sense of awe and wonder into your classroom as students explore the wonders of the tundra biome.
Ideal for:
Geography teachers seeking a comprehensive and engaging unit on cold climates and the tundra biome for KS3 classes.
Educators looking to incorporate varied skills development in their geography curriculum.
Ignite curiosity and understanding in your geography classes. Download this lesson bundle now to take your students on an exciting journey through the icy wonders of the tundra biome!
During the nationwide corona virus lock-down this Spring I created this resource for fellow parents, struggling to home-tutor their kids whilst remotely working. Each of these Geography learning activities are simple, encourage a range of skills and does not require computer access. Most Primary school aged children should be able to complete relatively independently. please share widely.
Earth day occurs in Spring, on April 22nd each year, however this lesson resource can be used all year round to encourage Primary and KS3 aged students to appreciate and show gratitude to our amazing world. There is a blank 28 day calendared worksheet that students fill in using the gratitude reflections and prompts on the accompanying sheet. It can be used during any month of the year. The tasks are varied between human and physical geography elements and also include active tasks and skills like Yoga, languages, field-sketching and describing landscapes. The daily tasks are in keeping with the earth day theme of ‘observing the need to protect the earth’s environment’.
These calendars could be stuck into pupil workbooks and be used as a reference point for starters and plenaries to lessons. More able students could be challenged to create their own 28 plan for gratitude after completing the one given. The completed gratitude calendars could be photocopied and blown up onto A3 to make stimulating classroom displays for open-evenings or parents evening. etc. A couple of the daily ideas have weblinks attached, which are shown at the bottom of the resource.
