KS3 & KS4 geography curriculum

This unit teaches pupils about how natural resources are essential for our society and economy to function and yet their geographical distribution is uneven. Pupils will draw on their knowledge of geology and weather and climate to understand the distribution of natural resources and link to past units, including forest biomes, by focussing on the impact of over-exploitation. Pupils will use the knowledge gained from this unit to make sense of regional studies on the Middle East and Russia later in the year.

1. Natural resources: The things we use
2. Energy use around the world
3. Energy in the UK
4. Windfarms: Decision making exercise
5. Fish resources
6. Sustainable fishing
7. Food resources
8. A solution: genetically modified crops
9. The future: hydroponics and aquaponics
10. The palm oil dilemma
11. Consumption and climate change
12. Rare earth materials

• The population of the world has risen rapidly to over eight billion.
• We use natural resources to make the things we use.
• Countries import and export goods to meet the needs of their population and grow their economy.
• Countries are often categorised as low income, middle income or high income countries depending upon their wealth.
• Countries where manufacturing of products has risen rapidly over the last 50 years are often referred to as Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs).
• Global warming is caused by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions released by humans.
• Energy needs can come from renewable or non-renewable sources.