GIS: Visualising the geology of the UK
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use GIS to visualise and analyse the UK's geology and the way this creates contrasting landscapes.
Key learning points
- Understanding the UK’s geology is important, especially for building, mining and managing our energy and water supplies.
- The British Geological Survey is a government-funded organisation that studies the UK’s geology, resources, and hazards.
- GIS can be used to show the south-east to north-west pattern in the UK’s geology.
- The UK’s varied geology leads to contrasting landscapes.
Keywords
Sedimentary - rocks formed through the build up of sediments such as sandstone, limestone and chalk
Igneous - rocks formed through volcanic processes, such as basalt, obsidian and granite
Metamorphic - rocks that have changed due to heat and pressure, such as slate, gneiss and marble
Common misconception
All rocks formed during the same geological period will be similar.
Although many rocks formed during the same geological period will be similar, volcanic processes may be creating rocks at the same time as sedimentary rocks are being created. These rocks will be very different and create contrasting landscapes.
Teacher tip
You may choose to project your use of the Geography Visualiser rather than using the video modelling in the slide deck.
Equipment
Computers, tablets or laptops with an internet connection. You will need to access the Geography Visualiser, which is a free website, which doesn't require a password.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the rock cycle?
Q2.Match the type of rock to its description:
Formed from cooled magma or lava
Formed from layers of broken-down material
Rocks changed by heat and pressure
Q3.Which natural resource is a type of fossil fuel?
Q4.What does "mining" involve?
Q5.Why is quarrying different from mining?
Q6.Which of these is a correct statement about soil?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is geology the study of?
Q2.Which of these is a sedimentary rock?
Q3.Which process forms igneous rocks?
Q4.Which statement is true about rocks formed during the same geological period?
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: GIS: Visualising the geology of the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: GIS: Visualising the geology of the UK, 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 Rocks, weathering and soil: Why is geology important? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.