Tuvalu: An island nation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe aspects of the physical and human geography of Tuvalu.
Key learning points
- Tuvalu is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with 9 main islands including some atolls.
- Some of the islands are made from coral, seawater bubbles up through the coral causing flooding.
- Many Tuvaluans rely on subsistence farming, the saltwater is poisoning the soil.
- Tuvalu experiences drought and water scarcity due to lack of natural freshwater.
Keywords
Island nation - a country that does not share any land borders with other countries
Coral (reef) - tiny marine organisms that accumulate to form coral reefs in tropical waters
Atoll - a type of coral reef shaped like a ring with a water body in the middle
Lagoon - the body of water in the middle of an atoll
Subsistence farming - farming that is done to feed oneself and one’s family, not for profit
Common misconception
Students can think that all water is the same, or can mix up saltwater (seawater) and freshwater and where these are found.
Water on Earth is either saltwater or freshwater. Saltwater is found in seas and oceans, freshwater is found in rivers and streams. Only salt tolerant plants and animal species can survive in saltwater.
Teacher tip
Coral reefs are among some of the most beautiful and unique ecosystems on Earth as well as the most fragile. Encourage students to investigate the risks of human activity for coral reefs and find out how some areas are mitigating or managing those risks.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main process shaping coastal landscapes?
Q2.What type of erosion happens when waves crash against cliffs and force air into cracks?
Q3.What is the movement of sediment along a coastline called?
Q4.An __________ is a country that doesn't share any land boarders with other countries.
Q5.What are coral reefs made of?
Q6.Which of the following is not part of the continent of Oceania?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.The country of Tuvalu is located in the Ocean, in the continent of Oceania.
Q2.The islands of Tuvalu are made of , a living organism.
Q3.Water on Earth is either or freshwater.
Q4.Many Tuvaluans rely on __________ farming, the saltwater is poisoning the soil.
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Tuvalu: An island nation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Tuvalu: An island nation, 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 3 geography lessons from the Coasts: what shapes life at the coast? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.