The formation of mountains
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use geographical vocabulary to describe and explain how mountains are formed and shaped over time.
Key learning points
- Earth’s crust is made from a series of tectonic plates, which constantly move, but so slowly that we don’t notice.
- Mountains are formed when tectonic plates move towards each other, pushing the ground upwards, lifting and folding it.
- There are three common types of mountain: fold, fault-block and dome.
- Mountains are formed over millions of years during which time they are shaped by the action of weathering and erosion.
Keywords
Tectonic plates - The huge pieces that Earth’s crust is broken into are known as tectonic plates.
Converge - Converge means two things move towards each other, such as when two tectonic plates come towards one another.
Mountain - A mountain is a natural raised part of Earth’s surface that is higher than a hill.
Common misconception
A mountain is any area of high land.
A mountain has different definitions. In the UK the height is taken to be land over 2000 ft or 610 m
Teacher tip
Use a the name of the highest peak from each continent as names for table groups.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What shape is the Earth?
Q2.True or false? There are 7 continents on Earth.
Q3.What is the name of the highest mountain on Earth?
Q4.In which continent is Mount Everest located?
Q5.True or false? Mountains are always covered in snow.
Q6.True or false? You can find mountains below sea level.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.From the centre, name the layers that make up structure of the Earth.
Q2.What is the temperature of the inner core?
Q3.The largest layer of Earth is called the...
Q4.When tectonic plates converge, they...
Q5.Common types of mountains include fold mountains, dome mountains and what other type of mountains?
Q6.Match the mountain type to the correct description
are often not very wide and have a pointy top
are often quite block-like
are often rounded at their summit
To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: The formation of mountains, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: The formation of mountains, 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 Mountains and volcanoes: what, where and why? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.