Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe different types of river management and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.

      Key learning points

      1. Hard engineering is the building of fixed structures to help prevent river flooding.
      2. Soft engineering is working with nature to reduce the risk of river flooding.
      3. There are economical and environmental costs and benefits to different types of flood management.
      4. Flood management in one part of the river will have an effect on other parts of the river downstream.

      Keywords

      • Hard engineering - the building of fixed structures to help prevent river flooding

      • Soft engineering - working with nature to reduce the risk of river flooding

      • Costs and benefits - the negative aspects of doing something and good reasons for doing it

      • Mitigate - making the effects of something less severe

      • Flood risk - the probability of a flood event occurring and its potential impact

      Common misconception

      Hard engineering is always very effective at protecting from flooding.

      Channel straightening, dredging and embankments can all make flooding worse downstream, as the channel can hold more water and speed up the flow.

      Teacher tip

      Ask students if they have seen any examples of flood protection. Could use Googlemap street view to show examples of flood defences in Keswick.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a river?

      A moving body of saltwater
      Correct answer: A natural flowing watercourse, usually towards an ocean, sea, or lake
      A small man-made stream
      A large underground lake

      Q2.
      The place where a river begins is called the .

      Correct Answer: source

      Q3.
      What is the end point of a river called?

      The delta
      The estuary
      Correct answer: The mouth
      The source

      Q4.
      What process wears away rocks and soil along a river’s path?

      Correct answer: Erosion
      Transportation
      Deposition
      Precipitation

      Q5.
      Which of the following is an example of river deposition?

      Water carving out a valley
      Water carrying rocks downstream
      Rain falling on the land
      Correct answer: A river dropping sand and mud to form a delta

      Q6.
      What is a floodplain?

      A high hill near a river
      Correct answer: A flat area next to a river that floods easily
      A dry desert
      A mountain formed by a river

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main aim of river management?

      To make rivers wider
      Correct answer: To reduce the risk and impact of flooding
      To increase rainfall
      To build more rivers

      Q2.
      engineering involves building permanent structures to prevent flooding.

      Correct Answer: Hard

      Q3.
      What does soft engineering focus on?

      Using very heavy machinery
      Stopping rainfall
      Building bigger walls
      Correct answer: Working with nature to reduce flood risk

      Q4.
      Why is it wrong to believe that hard engineering always protects against flooding?

      Because it is cheap and easy to maintain
      Correct answer: Because it can fail or cause problems elsewhere
      Because it is always very effective at preventing floods
      Because it protects wildlife habitats

      To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: River management, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...