Using OS maps to analyse physical features
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use contour lines to identify and describe physical features on a map.
Key learning points
- The height of the land can be shown on a map using spot heights and contour lines.
- The shape of the land can be shown on a map by examining how contour lines relate to each other.
- Distinctive patterns of contour lines show particular physical features on a map.
Keywords
Relief - the shape of the land
Contour lines - lines on a map that join points of the same height
Spot height - a point marked on a map showing a particular height
Common misconception
All contour lines have their height marked on them.
Most contour lines will show their height, but in very steep areas, where contours are close together, some will be omitted as there is a lack of space. The height of these lines can be calculated by looking at the height of the surrounding lines.
Teacher tip
A large potato cut in half length ways will give students a 'hill' on which they can mark contours at 1cm intervals. The more misshaped the potato, the more variation there will be in the gradient and the contour line patterns produced.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Moving clockwise around a compass, which secondary inter cardinal point comes next in this sequence? NNE, ENE, ESE, .
Q2.A bearing is a way of measuring …
Q3.In a grid reference, the first value is the …
Q4.A map that looks ‘zoomed-in’ and covers a small area is described as ...
Q5.Elevation is measured in …
Q6.What is the gradient of the land?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why might some contour lines not be marked with values?
Q2.What is a spot height?
Q3.Contour lines that are placed close together show the landscape is at that point.
Q4.Match the descriptions to the correct features.
V shaped contours with the lowest value marked on the smallest V
V shaped contours with the highest value marked on the smallest V
An area of no contour lines at the top of a slope
An area with very widely spaced or no contour lines
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using OS maps to analyse physical features, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using OS maps to analyse physical features, 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 4 geography lessons from the Geographical and statistics skills unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.