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      Geographical features in northern Italy

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use maps to identify key physical and human geographical features of Northern Italy.

      Key learning points

      1. Northern Italy has a diverse range of physical geographical features (mountains, rivers, climate and vegetation belts).
      2. Northern Italy has a diverse range of human geographical features (cities, road/rail networks, farming, industry).
      3. Digital mapping tools can be used to investigate the features of northern Italy.

      Keywords

      • Scale - The scale on a map shows what size the area that is represented in the map really is.

      • Key - The key on a map explains what the different symbols or colours used on the map mean.

      • Physical features - A physical feature is natural and has not been formed or made by humans.

      • Human features - A human feature is something that humans have made or built.

      Common misconception

      Difficulties in using digital mapping tools.

      Provide additional teaching input in the use of digital maps.

      Teacher tip

      Other sources of information such as atlases, information books and websites could also be used to investigate different features in Northern Italy.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A globe provides a model of the earth

      Correct Answer: 3D, three dimensional

      Q2.
      What is Italy sometimes called because of its shape?

      the shoe
      Correct answer: the boot
      the welly

      Q3.
      How many countries border Italy?

      Correct answer: 4
      1
      10

      Q4.
      What direction is the UK from Italy?

      Correct answer: north west
      south east
      north
      south

      Q5.
      What is the scale on a map?

      Correct answer: It shows what size the area that is represented in the map really is
      It shows us what a place is like
      It shows us how high the land is

      Q6.
      You can travel by car and ferry to get to Italy from the UK. Are these statements advantages or disadvantages for this method of transport?

      Correct Answer:Disadvantage,Produces polluting gases
      Correct Answer:Advantage,Enjoy the scenery
      Correct Answer:Disadvantage,Congestion and delays

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What are the definitions of these areas of geography? Match the correct term.

      Correct Answer:environmental geography,interactions between humans and the physical world
      Correct Answer:physical geography,a study of the Earth's natural features and processes
      Correct Answer:human geography,a study of people on the planet and their activities

      Q2.
      Which of these mountain are found in Italy?

      Andes
      Himalayas
      Correct answer: Alps
      Correct answer: Dolomites

      Q3.
      Which of these lakes found in Italy is the largest?

      Lake Maggiore
      Lake Como
      Correct answer: Lake Garda

      Q4.
      Which of these cities are found in Italy and which are found in the UK?

      Correct Answer:Rome,Italy
      Correct Answer:Birmingham,UK
      Correct Answer:Milan,Italy
      Correct Answer:Manchester,UK
      Correct Answer:Turin,Italy

      Q5.
      What is the name of this river in northern Italy?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Po
      Pa
      Pu

      Q6.
      This city is popular with tourists. Unscramble the letters to find the answer.

      1 - V
      2 - E
      3 - N
      4 - I
      5 - C
      6 - E

      To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: Geographical features in northern Italy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...