Using digital maps to identify forests around the world
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to identify where different types of forests are located.
Key learning points
- Geographic information systems (GIS) are digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns
- Geographic information systems can be used to investigate the location of forests.
Keywords
Geographic information system - a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns
Digital map - a map that we can see and use on a computer, tablet or smartphone
Biome - a large area with a similar climate, wildlife and vegetation
Layer - a piece of information that we can put on top of a basemap in a GIS
Common misconception
Explaining something is the same as describing something.
Describing is saying what we see, while explaining is giving reasons for something.
Teacher tip
Teachers may wish pupils to complete the GIS tasks alongside the video modelling, by showing the video in short sections and then asking pupils to complete each part of the instructions
Equipment
Computers, tablet with internet access
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.There are different types of forest. Which forest is sometimes known by the initials TRF for short? This forest is found in hot, wet climate zones.
Q2.GIS stands for a geographic system.
Q3.The name for a background map in a GIS is a ...
Q4.Why might geographers compare a modern map layer with a map layer from 100 years ago?
Q5.Which of these tools lets you see more detail on a digital map (or less detail)?
Q6.The zoom tool helps us to explore on a digital map. Zooming out lets us see a wider view of the world, while zooming in shows more ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q2.What word goes with each of these terms to describe types of biome where trees are the most important vegetation type: rain, temperate, taiga ... ?
Q3.To describe is to say what we can see, to explain is to ...
Q4.Which of these Geography Visualiser map layers would be most helpful for explaining the location of different forest biomes?
Q5.What does the 'Swipe' tool on a the Geography Visualiser allow you to do?
Q6.Which of these factors help explain the location of the taiga forest biome?
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to identify forests around the world, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to identify forests around the world, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 geography lessons from the Local and global: why are trees and forests important? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.