Physical landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and explain the importance of the DRC's key physical features.
Key learning points
- The DRC's physical geography includes mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Congo Basin.
- The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa and is important for transport and hydroelectric power.
- The Great Rift Valley runs through the eastern DRC, forming mountains and volcanoes.
- Natural landscapes affect where people live and how they use resources.
Keywords
Hydroelectric power (HEP) - hydroelectric power generates electricity by using water
Volcanic - volcanic describes something that is created by a volcano
Valley - a valley is a long, low-lying area of land surrounded by hills or mountains
Natural resources - natural resources are those that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs
Common misconception
That the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring country, the Republic of Congo, are the same country. Students can inadvertently shorten DRC to 'Congo' in verbal or written work.
The DRC and the Republic of Congo are two separate countries in central Africa. The Congo River forms part of the border between the countries; their capital cities Kinshasa and Brazzaville are located on oppposite banks of the river from each other.
Teacher tip
Give students a blank outline map of the DRC and ask them to annotate it or shade it to show key features of the physical landscape such as the Great Rift Valley and the Congo River.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo located?
Q2.What is a major river that flows through the DRC?
Q3.Which of the following best describes the DRC’s climate?
Q4.What is a biome found in much of the DRC?
Q5.What is a key feature of the DRC's population?
Q6.What is a legacy of colonialism in the DRC?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What natural feature is used to generate hydroelectric power in the DRC?
Q2.Part of the DRC lies within which major geographical feature that includes deep valleys and volcanoes?
Q3.Which statement about the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is correct?
Q4.Which of these is not a feature of the DRC’s landscape?
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Physical landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Physical landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 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 The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.