BONUS: PowerPoint Name Wheel! AND built in timer. No need to exit the screen, go onto websites etc. Easily adaptable to your student names and time is adjustable.
2 PowerPoints. 1 for lower ability to have them critically think more and focus on tasks first.
Animal adaptations
Lots of images throughout as prompts
Video included
Pair discussion
Writing task with sentence starters
Leads into fun application task as a geographer…
Create your own animal (label with adaptations and why its needed)
There are limitations (numeracy included)
Students share their work (rewards/ votes)
Challenge at end (solo or competition or class)
2024 Statistics
NASA night lights 2024
Interesting fun facts
Gap fill with word bank
Worksheet available for scaffolding
Definitions of words in detail
Lots of images
Lots of assessment for learning
Visual modelling with students possible
Mind map
Writing task (factors)
Density calculation
Numeracy included
Challenges included
Plenary: challenge both views
Self-assess
Helpsheets available
Both SEN, low ability and high ability covered
Recap of skills.
An exciting story to follow (promotes literacy).
Adaptable between year 7 to older by changing the story words.
Map is adaptable to change to your town/ school if you wanted.
TEA answer with gapfill to scaffold.
Concept used over a small scale.
Also available as a large scale (assuming it is a practice) to show Ebola as a real life case study.
All adaptable.
These are designed for 1hour. 3 slightly different versions depending on your resources/ class behaviour/ student abilities. You can mix them up. There are some Pokemon themed sections which you can remove/ alter. All materials and helpsheets included. Lesson plans are not included due to confidential data. Gapfill also included for students to try answers.
In seats, short task together, short independent task building towards main independent task. Pair work. Similar to a treasure hunt but using words, to decode a secret word.
Main activity is fun: linking into science, survival in real life using minimal items such as a leaf or a puddle etc. Depending on which resources you want to use and environment, this can be adapted. In this scenario, it’s in the classroom so it uses a bowl. There are other ways of making a compass but this is the minimal as you want magnetic north to address the misconceptions that North is always in front of you like the maps say.
If you happen to not have materials/ or it’s being used by the science department/ don’t have any at home or the budget… you can skip the making compass section and show with your compass/ your phone/ provide compasses (depending on resources). The main activity involves a team game where they have to the teacher from A to B using the classroom. For behaviour control, they can estimate the number of steps (assuming they have also not learnt scale/ distance yet), or if you have a behaved class you can allow one student per team to leave their seat to count steps (limits to about 6 students out their seats at a time for classroom management). The purpose of the lesson is compass directions so the other factors are not important in this class. Future classes will have these skills combined.
2 and 3 looks more into real-life survival skills and involves team activities. There are also extras included depending on the class speed/ lesson time.
If you have a break in classes, you can use it to prepare materials/ set up teams to save time. My students know how to move the tables, who’s in their teams, who is the team leader for collecting items (classroom management), and complete it within 30 seconds with materials. You must model it well if it is your first time with such activities.
A full 1 hour lesson. Lesson plan refers to 50 minutes but it is easily 1 hour or more depending on how much time you want to provide. I included this because you can understand each part. All sensitive information is removed. I have also included a section for a Plan B, in case the class does not go to plan.
A brief starter about each season to assess their prior knowledge and the importance of knowing this information. E.g. Would you wear a warm coat in the summer?
A merry-go-round activity with stations. This saves lots on resources as you only need 6 sheets.
Depending on the level of your class, you can remove more information, and remove the bold font as hints. Depending on your student’s knowledge, you may want to explain some things first or change some information. For example, food chains/ webs.
Powerpoint for a 1hour lesson on waterfall formation. Adjustable depending on students’ ability and lesson time. Each level gets harder for them to remember.
Starter for students to think
Mind map alone/ do together
Label picture and explain/ students guess
Match key terms and definition
Video on formation
What happened in the video (with image): explanation by students
Storyboard explanation
Fill in the blanks(1)
Complete the order (2)
Team activity: spot the mistakes/ correct
Team activity: summarise formation/ feedback
Plenary: checking understanding of key terms by labelling the waterfall
Homework: learning the definitions for pop quiz (literacy skills)
Includes an optional worksheet as homework to reineforce formation
Update 2024: KS3, more creative, scaffolding, and materials added.
Lots of visuals
Poster task
Student examples included as ideas.
1hour lesson
Wheel of fortune sharing (built into PPT)
Lesson 7.1: Year 7, first class of climate change (causes)
Lesson plan (1 page bullet pointed each section)
Powerpoint (to follow with the powerpoint) - leaflet/ writing task
PPT has videos and built in timer to help you keep your time management.
Alter as needed.
Video and book version (if no book - can print out one of the slides for references)
Reading version - can be combined as group roleplay or volunteers roleplay as demonstration (with teacher adding questions as they role play)
Can be 1-2 lessons long or more depending what you want to use.
Can also use parts of extras for a homework task/ starter/ plenary
Extras
keywords
create your own treaty
terms of the treaty
worksheet
roleplay cards
Updated: Great lesson that I completed in several schools. It can fit in 1 hour, or easily be 2 hours.
Starter - differences in words
Differentiated reading variety: less options from easy to hard (polar bear has missing information for higher ability to think of answers). Full options provide a range of animals if you wanted to provide more variety, have a longer lesson etc.
Images and maps included
Endangered > Extinct line with examples included for understanding (helps lower ability a lot)
Mind map - with examples
Definitions included - break down of words (included in the lesson plan for how to do this)
Reading information - highlighting (make sure those with polar bears know they don’t have the 2nd highlighter which is prompted on PPT but depending on your students’ ability you may need to tell them). The original reading can be changed to beginning if the school runs reading session routines, this will make them more familiar with the text and ready for the task.
Create a fact file. Success Criterion included. Challenge included.
Fact file works better as students focus on writing (e.g. Yr 8s mixed ability did half a page in 5 minutes). I used this class in the best schools in Basingstoke. If you have more time, you may want to do a poster but ensure they do not spend ages designing, writing a title or drawing pictures as this shows no application of knowledge.
Students present their work. Depending on time and resources, you may want a table (removed from PPT) for them to complete as students present. Otherwise just some simple notes for extra information, but their in depth information will be displayed in their animal/ work.
Plenary. If time pair discussions, then class. In PPT, I’ve set as class vote due to time.
Reading materials include pictures, graphs, maps, statistics etc. so they have to think about the information.
Check students’ reading ages before you give them an animal.
Easiest is turtle, then Panda. Majority of students like Panda level.
Orangutan has the heavy text which should be given to those who enjoy reading and have a higher than average reading age.
E.g. grammar stream students were given polar bear, elephants, orangutans (but kept some pandas for any students who may happen to struggle on this topic).
Updated version: Only English. Used with students for locational knowledge. Timer already set so you don’t need to press anything and check the students/ control behaviour. You can adjust timer settings.
40minutes - 1hr class: alter to suit your needs/ wants to adjust timing.
This has PPT, an answer sheet for you, 1 page quiz worksheet (or they can write numbers and answers, depending on the ability of students or your resources), a video (which is already embedded in the PPT but you have this as an in case).
Powerpoint is already timed, so you only need to get the class into groups, give them a worksheet and the slides will go through. I monitor the classroom and if they already answered, then I would forward it to next slide to provide more discussion time at end.
Guess the country (flags made with their food)
Name the colours of the flag
Real or Fake flag
Short video clip about flags: memory test
At the end, you can mark answers by going through with students and having them swap their sheets with another group. You can even expand on each section/ answer by asking about the image which brings into cultural food and famous things of each country, or even some facts that students may know.
You can decide how they get full marks. For example, correct spelling only etc. Literacy is important in UK schools and you gain points for correct spelling in exams so you might want to factor your lessons.
I used this for English class where they had to translate it from their own language to English so I didn’t mark for spelling but gave them points for trying to spell (usually they would have the word in their langauge). Their geography level are good so I usually did forward the slides.
I used this as a reward day which is fun, engaging and has competition between teams. You can give rewards to the winning team if you like, usually candy or in UK it would be commendations.
Starter - images
Information
Challenge included
Definition
Label trenches - information sheets around the room - adapted worksheet available
Table - life in the trenches with challenges included - information sheet to share (double sided/ 1 page) with images
Video - emotions
Success criteria on independent literacy task - level 3 to 6
Starter sentences/ format/ letter (for all or low ability)
Keywords bingo - word bank included, bingo sheets available to print if needed - definitions available for teacher to read if needed
Full Lesson (observed by universities and other higher educational roles).
Slightly different trade game.
Learn about HIC, NEE, LIC - global trade imports, exports - inequalities - international events, etc. You may need a glossary or students may have some prior knowledge about development or globalisation. Reflection is most important.
Includes 6 countries. Each countries equipment list included. Amendable. Borrow students’ equipment if needed.
Added observer roles for high ability who (who can also act as referees to control behaviour if you have behaviour problems). Make sure they are rewarded. They watch the countries, report to you, and write up a report. A4 sheet with list of questions and prompts for them to complete.
Note: You can make it clear if you are allowing or not allowing stealing. I only had one class steal a lot. This can link back to some History and Geography such as South Sudan. Remember to control physical fighting.
After game, you have a discussion as they will probably have a lot to say or comment about. Cut it off at the appropriate time. Must calm back down with writing reflection notes.
Reflection cards for them to answer prompt questions with challenges. This links to development (not X stole Y etc.) Observers will write their short report. You may have some share at end.
I completed it with new classes - considered risktaking by most educators. E.g. Some schools and teachers have never done such a lesson.
I’d recommend doing this if you know the class well enough, attempted some freedom lessons that you can trust them during this game, otherwise you need to have good behaviour management or plan B if you struggle to control. I’ve done this and other freedom lessons with new classes often with strict rules because every student are able enjoy and interact with the lessons (with any ability).
I used this for observations and gave the “power” to strong/ high ability characters who were able to report everything to me (cheating) as the game went, as well as give rewards and consequences. Even my lowest abilities and SEND, EAL (no English), several behavioural students, all did AMAZING, including good use of key terminology. Honestly was really proud of them. They were able to make the link (maybe with prompts), and I did not need to call a high ability student to help. I only have 2 higher abilities in the class (and one was not in). This class were “successful” by several observers for passing placements and obtaining job offers. The best feedback was nobody attempts it for observation, and if they do - it is a disaster - so when I did this it was great (and the class isn’t a good ability class either)! I had 2 students run away over the fence just before class so they were noisy before class but they were perfect (address behaviour immediately as you need it for this class)
Animals in the Savanna - Lion King Remake of animals - Students well engaged and excited
Learning objectives - command words - meanings
Map of Savanna (students to add to their maps from previous lesson - Physical Geography of Africa). If you don’t have this, the maps (6 to a page) are also included if you wish to make this into an activity to shade in the biome and label the latitudes.
Video about the Savanna - Notes about the biome
Animal adaptation - I do (Lion), We do (Elephant), You do (Giraffe and Warthog). Challenges included.
All students are able to complete giraffe, lower ability may struggle with warthog so I had them think more about the giraffe. Remind them of Pumba from Lion King.
Answers on board - Students to add 3 more to their animals. Handouts available for students who can’t read, lower ability/ SEND to assist them. My students did not stick them in, they used it as help.
YOU ARE A GEOGRAPHER (Science advanced and you create your own animal!)
Choose 3 characteristics (timer them). Explain why those three and how they adapt to the Savanna.
Criteria and levels (on the board I have 5 and 6). On paper (handouts or printouts or you can adapt depending on your class/ student) I have level 3-7 success criteria.
Key words on the board, connectives on the board, challenges on the board, examples (sentences and images) on the board.
Sentence builders (shared between students) allows every student able to complete the task. Higher abilities will not use it but have it as a reference.
Students will be working at different paces due to ability. My higher ability asked to do more characteristics but only because they completed it. My lower ability/ SEND I expected at least 3 sentences (this is because this is in their assessment so they need to have this). Students who finished are able to sketch their animal. Higher rewards given as motivation.
Peer assessing. Students peer assess the presenter (visualiser if you have). We used fingers due to time, but if you have longer lessons or extend another class they can use the peer assessment handouts where students assess themselves, and then peer assess. They can then improve upon feedback.
Many students loved the task, wanted to share and spend their 15 minutes break continuing.
Lots of materials to expand/ use for longer lessons
Can use for adaptation
Optional: Documentary 50 minutes with questions to answers - sections of the documentary - check questions to find points for documentary. The questions available do not use the entire documentary.
Main PPT is for 1 hour
Starter (song/ lyrics) - short.
Lyrics available for reading and analysis of lyrics before hearing the song
Reading
Primary sources - infer information (3 on PPT) - resources for 7 with originals if you’d like to extend task/ lesson
Advert (included video)
Article about the advert
Is this accurate of the event?
Compare primary sources to advert
Opinions
Discussions
Why did this happen? e.g. money etc.
Quote
Agree or disagree - disrespectful or acceptable?
Sentence starter
Task
Postcard
Blank print outs
Gap fills/ sentence starters to use or to print as adaptation according to class ability
Challenge
Super challenge
Time wise: can draw on back, can share etc. to extend or not lessons
Plenary: 3/2/1
Adaptable to 1 hour or 3 hours. Resources included.
Unscamble starter
Challenge included
Intentions
Image show (bit by bit)
Questions about image
Information and images
Reading information sheet
Summarise/ questions via discussion
Images/ slight information of areas around Swindon
WW1 man story to read
Worksheet (3 questions)
To read and answer in full sentences
Hard challenge- paragraph writing PEEL
Starter sentences, paragraph sentences etc.
Information poster
Success criteria
Peer marking - success criteria
Hot Seat (adaptable)
Boys Vs Girls
Retrieval MAIN
Finish previous if needed.
Intention
FLASH TECHNIQUE
students must be ready
show 1 second
discuss
now show 10 seconds
discuss
now show properly and discuss what it really is
technique gets their brain working
Black and white image only
Reading
Map
Video animation - work out why
Discuss
Reading
Storyboard
handout
gapfill story
word bank
Image with speech bubble
write what he would say
I left notes in the comments of PPT if needed.
Part 2:
Finish off if needed
Art analysis - new skills/ transferable skills
Role play learning
Students interview you (the assassin) - be prepared for questions
I included fact sheet for you in case you need some information
Note: students asked basic questions anyway (Year 8s mixed)
This is for Year 12 mixed ability. I recommend printing the worksheets file as A3, and the rest can be as A4. It involves resources e.g. books, but also plenty of up-to-date/ live information which will need to be accessed with internet. E.g. computers, phones, or teacher can print them out from the website.
The exam board are aware of these A-level textbooks having older data, but students can infer information as years have gone by. Add information/ own knowledge, their knowledge when looking at boroughs and images. Bring the lesson alive. E.g. One student mentioned the Green Bridge that was unsuccessful, has a similar one built in Manchester instead.
Pages are included in the PPT.
The aim from the AQA spec: Case studies of two contrasting urban areas to illustrate and analyse key themes set out.
This includes:
patterns of economic and social well-being
the nature and impact of physical environmental conditions
with particular reference to the implications for environmental sustainability, the character of the study areas and the experience and attitudes of their populations.
Helpful materials:
Dictionary - expected key terminology for A level and above
white (fourth edition) Hodder A Level textbook - used in this lesson but I have attached a double sided page of information which can be used instead or in addition
cool geography
Part 1 (PPT1):
10 questions retrieval
Answers
Intentions
3 questions they have about the image
Hajj definition
Map
Different stages
Step-by-Step Guide with lots of images and few sentences per slide
Reflection check - can you remember the steps?
Answers
Video - make notes on the stages
Answer the 3 questions they had earlier
Create own step-by-step guide.
Few sentences and images
Template included
Intentions appear throughout PPT as progress checks and command word reminders.
Part 2 (PPT 2):
5 things retrieval
Intentions
Stages of Hajj (stick in handouts)
Videos
Check comments for exact video and timings
Question sheets
Answers included
Part 3 (PPT 2):
Leaflet creation as Hajj travel agent
Instructions
Success criteria
Prompts
Outline
Steps
Background information
Challenge included
Information sheets, textbooks to assist
Intentions appear throughout PPT as progress checks and command word reminders.
Year 7 lesson, following UK English Curriculum
This is for lower ability class and/ or SEN. 2-3 hour lesson of materials.
5 page workbook (depending on ability of class at least 3 pages do not need to be printed). You can easily reduce pages if you adjust to smaller size font as it is set to size 14 and wider font for students dyslexia/ SEN friendly workbook. PowerPoint is also SEN friendly.
Starter: Multiple choice recall with a challenge
Quick AFL to assess whole class knowledge/ ability to see what needs to be addressed
Images
Definition
Dictionary
Lots of images
Engaging, funny, memorable video. Play about 1 minute.
Mind map: pros and cons
Colour coded or symbol coded
Definitions included
Questioning AFL
Identifying techniques used in writing
Word bank included
I do, we do, you model
Annotating writing
Possible challenge (depending on ability of students)
Questioning AFL
Comprehension question
Quick AFL to assess whole class knowledge/ ability to see what needs to be addressed
Images
IHADAFOREST techniques
Includes definitions and examples
A space next to each with student’s own sentence based on your writing
Easily adjustable to higher levels by changing the number of techniques the students do.
Table format
Persuasive writing template
Colour coded
Challenge included
Good example writing which can guide them (opposites)
1 page of materials for scaffolding (in the workbook)
24 word bank table format to help with spelling, adjectives, words associated, and connectives.
10 sentence starters bullet pointed
Success Criterion included (5 marks) in a clipboard image
After the draft, you may want to add in new/ other techniques to expand on their drafts, before writing a final version in their books, project, display, role play, etc.