Using digital maps to identify different landscapes of North and South America
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to investigate different landscapes in North and South America.
Key learning points
- Geographic information systems (GIS) contain digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns.
- Geographic information systems can be used to investigate different landscapes in North and South America.
Keywords
Geographic information system - a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns
Biome - a large area with similar plants, animals and climate
Landscape - the features of an area, made up of natural things like hills and rivers, and human things like buildings and roads
Common misconception
A layer is a background map on a GIS.
A basemap is the background map in a GIS. It shows things like countries, rivers, and roads. A layer is extra information you can add on top of the basemap, for example, where volcanoes are or how many people live in each area.
Teacher tip
You may wish to show the videos in stages with the pupils completing a chunk of the the practice tasks after each section of the video.
Equipment
Computers, laptops or tablets with an internet connection.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does GIS stand for?
Q2.Which tool on the Geography Visualiser allows us to find out the distance between points?
Q3.North and America are both continents
Q4.Which of these landscape features are natural, and which are made by humans?
Q5.The USA is found in the continent of America.
Q6.Which of these countries are found in South America?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is a biome?
Q2.Which of these statements correctly describes a 'layer' on a GIS?
Q3.A key shows what different colours and symbols mean. Which button locates this on the Geography Visualiser?
Q4.Unlike 2D views, visualisations make it easier to see the shape of the land.
Q5.What tool allows you to add your own information and labels to a Geography Visualiser map?
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to identify different landscapes of North and South America, 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 different landscapes of North and South America, 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 North and South America: how diverse are their places and landscapes? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.