Explore Forests, Maps, and Weather with Our Engaging Year 2 Geography Scheme

Our Year 2 geography scheme takes pupils on an exciting exploration of the world, from the mysteries of forests to the basics of map reading and the wonders of weather patterns. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, this scheme helps pupils develop essential geographical skills and a deeper understanding of the world they live in.

The scheme covers three key blocks, each designed to build knowledge progressively, making geography both meaningful and relevant to pupils’ lives.

Block 1: If You Go Down to the Woods Today… (Features of forests/Using maps and atlases)

This engaging unit introduces pupils to the world of forests and map reading. They’ll explore the features of forests, learn how to use maps and atlases, and identify both physical and human features in natural landscapes.

Week 1: What is a forest like?

• Explore the different types of forests and what makes them unique
• Learn about the natural habitats and wildlife found in forests
• Discuss the importance of forests to our environment

Week 2: What human and physical features can we identify? 

• Identify physical features (trees, rivers) and human features (roads, paths) in a forest
• Discuss how forests are shaped by both nature and human activity

Week 3: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around: What Can You See?

• Investigate the different layers of the forest and what lives there
• Observe and describe what can be seen at different heights, from the forest floor to the treetops

Week 4: Let’s make a forest map!

•  Learn how to create simple maps using symbols and keys
• Understand how maps help us explore and navigate different environments

Week 5: What types of trees can we identify?

• Learn to identify common trees by their leaves, bark, and shapes
• Discuss the variety of trees in forests and their roles in the ecosystem

Week 6: Let’s use the compass and maps together!

• Introduce the compass and how it can help with navigation
• Practice using maps and a compass to locate features in the forest

Block 2: Where is this Ticket Taking Us? (Small area of a contrasting non-European locality)

This unit takes pupils on a journey to a contrasting non-European location, such as San Francisco, USA, where they’ll explore key geographical features, landmarks, and the culture of the area.

Week 1: Where can we go?

• Learn about different countries and continents around the world
• Explore where San Francisco is located and its significance

Week 2: We are going to San Francisco!

• Introduce San Francisco as a contrasting location
• Locate it on a world map and learn about its physical and human features

Week 3: What can we see in San Francisco?

•  Investigate famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island
• Discuss the geography and culture of the city

Week 4: What can we do in San Francisco?

• Explore the activities and attractions available in San Francisco
• Compare them with activities in the pupils’ local area

Week 5: How is San Francisco different from our local area?

• Compare the physical features (e.g., climate, landscapes) and human features (e.g., buildings, transport) of San Francisco with their local area

Week 6: Can we plan a trip to San Francisco?

• Use maps to plan a journey to San Francisco
• Learn about the routes, transportation, and places to visit

Block 3: Will It Be Sunny Today? (Seasonal and daily weather patterns)

This unit focuses on understanding weather and its patterns, from the seasons to daily changes. Pupils will learn how weather affects their daily lives and how meteorologists predict what’s to come.

Week 1: What is the weather?

• Introduce pupils to different types of weather and how to describe them
• Discuss how weather impacts our activities and the environment

Week 2: How do the seasons affect our lives?

• Explore how the four seasons influence daily life, clothing, and activities
• Discuss how seasons change the environment around us

Week 3: What do meteorologists do?

• Learn about meteorologists and how they predict the weather
• Explore the tools used to forecast weather, like weather balloons and satellites

Week 4: How does the weather compare in other places in the UK?

• Compare weather patterns across different regions of the UK
• Discuss how local geography affects the weather in different places

Week 5: How would extreme weather affect our school?

• Investigate the impact of extreme weather, such as storms or snow, on schools and daily life
• Discuss safety measures and preparations for extreme weather events

Week 6: Let’s be Meteorologists!

• Practice being meteorologists by observing and forecasting the weather

Create weather reports for the day and discuss predictions

Why Choose Our Year 2 Geography Scheme?

• Develops key geographical skills, such as map reading, observation, and enquiry
• Encourages real-world learning through hands-on activities and fieldwork
• Offers clear progression, ensuring pupils build their knowledge of the world around them
• Helps pupils understand the connections between physical geography, human geography, and the environment
• This scheme ensures that pupils gain a solid foundation in geography, inspiring curiosity and developing critical thinking about the world.