Year 2 Geography Block 1

Topic – If You Go Down to the Woods today…(Features of forests/using maps and atlases)

Download free geography long term overview.

In this block of learning, you will cover the following lessons:

🗺️ Week 1: What is a forest like?
🗺️ Week 2: What human and physical features can we identify?
🗺️ Week 3: Look up, look down, look all around: What can you see?
🗺️ Week 4: Let’s make a forest map!
🗺️ Week 5: What types of trees can we identify?
🗺️ Week 6: Let’s use the compass and maps together!

Unit Outcomes (secure)

✅ Talk in detail about what a forest is. Explain how forests are different from other geographical features and landscapes and use correct vocabulary to name specific physical features.
✅ Use aerial photos to recognise human and physical features of forests.
✅ Make observations, identifying human and physical features in a forest or wooded area. Follow a route on a map with support.
✅ Identify trees using leaf samples and by making observations of trees in the local area.
✅ Draw a map to show the route a character takes. Include a key.
✅ Use an atlas, world map, globe or UK map to locate some of the world’s forests. Describe the location of the world’s forests using the four compass points.

Our geography scheme provided national curriculum coverage of the year 2 objectives including:

1. Geographical Skills and Fieldwork

  • Use world maps, atlases, and globes to identify the United Kingdom and its countries, as well as other countries, continents, and oceans.
  • Use simple compass directions (North, South, East, and West) and locational/directional language (e.g., near, far, left, right) to describe the location of features and routes on a map.
  • Use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features; devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key.
  • Undertake simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of their school and its grounds, and the key human and physical features of its surrounding environment.

What key features should children learn about maps?

  • World Maps and Atlases: As part of identifying the UK, its countries, continents, and oceans, Year 2 pupils will be introduced to maps, atlases, and globes.
  • Simple Compass Directions: Learning North, South, East, and West, as well as using them to describe locations.
  • Aerial Photographs and Plan Perspectives: Understanding how places look from above and connecting that to maps. This links to recognizing human and physical features.
  • Creating Simple Maps and Keys: By creating simple maps, students learn about symbols and map keys.

What should Year 2 learn about maps?

  • Recognising different types of maps (world maps, local maps, atlases).
  • Basic map symbols and their use in a key.
  • Directions and simple compass use.
  • Simple route planning and map creation.

 

If You Go Down to the Woods Today… is an engaging Year 2 geography unit designed to introduce young learners to the fascinating world of forests and maps. This block of learning combines hands-on activities, outdoor observations, and map skills to help pupils explore the features of forests and understand the geographical concepts related to them.

Week 1: What is a forest like?

In the first lesson, pupils will be introduced to forests, learning what makes them different from other types of geographical features. They will explore key vocabulary to describe forests, such as trees, leaves, soil, and wildlife. This week lays the foundation for understanding the unique characteristics of forests and sets the stage for the following lessons.

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

In Week 2, pupils will learn to identify both human and physical features within a forest. They will study how forests are shaped by natural processes like growth and weather, as well as human activity such as logging or recreational areas. The focus will be on helping pupils understand the relationship between people and their environment.

Week 3: Look up, look down, look all around: What can you see?

This lesson encourages pupils to use their senses and make observations in the natural world. They will look up at the tree canopy, down at the forest floor, and all around them to identify features such as animals, plants, and tree types. Pupils will learn to make careful observations and record their findings in an organised way.

Week 4: Let’s make a forest map!

In Week 4, pupils will put their knowledge to the test by creating a simple map of a forest area. They will practise drawing and labelling features they have observed, such as paths, trees, and wildlife. This activity will help pupils understand the importance of maps in representing geographical features and help them develop map-reading skills.

Week 5: What types of trees can we identify?

Pupils will learn to identify common tree species in this week’s lesson, focusing on their distinctive leaves, bark, and shapes. Using leaf samples and outdoor observations, they will start to recognise trees in their local environment. This lesson also introduces the concept of tree classification and the role trees play in ecosystems.

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

In the final week, pupils will combine their understanding of maps with compass directions. They will practise using a compass to orient themselves and follow a route on a map. By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to use both maps and compasses to navigate and describe the location of forests.

Unit Outcomes (secure):

  • Pupils will talk in detail about what a forest is, using correct vocabulary to describe physical features and understand the differences between forests and other landscapes.
  • They will use aerial photos to identify human and physical features within a forest.
  • They will be able to follow a route on a map and identify forest features during outdoor observations.
  • Pupils will identify trees using leaf samples and observations in the local area.
  • They will draw maps to show routes, including keys to label forest features.
  • Using atlases, world maps, globes, and UK maps, pupils will locate some of the world’s forests and describe their locations using compass points.

This Year 2 geography unit is designed to spark curiosity and encourage pupils to explore their environment, all while developing essential mapping and observational skills. Whether learning to identify trees, use a compass, or understand human and physical features, pupils will gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.