This Year 3 geography unit introduces pupils to climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts through map work, geographical enquiry and environmental comparison activities. Pupils explore how climate varies across the world and begin to understand how environments differ between regions.
Across six lessons, pupils develop early KS2 geographical skills by using latitude and longitude to locate places, compare weather patterns and identify how climate affects plants, animals and human life. The unit also introduces pupils to climate change and encourages discussion about environmental change across the planet.
Recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, this unit includes ready-to-teach lesson plans, teaching slides, differentiated geography activities and assessment opportunities to support progression across Lower KS2 geography.
Explore the full Year 3 geography curriculum
See how this climate zones block fits within our wider Year 3 geography progression.
This Year 3 geography block introduces pupils to climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts through map work, geographical enquiry and environmental comparison activities. Pupils explore how climate varies across the world and begin to understand how weather, landscapes, plants, animals and human life are connected.
Throughout the unit, pupils use latitude and longitude to locate places, compare climates and identify global patterns. The lessons also introduce pupils to environmental change and help them begin to understand the effects of climate change on habitats and ecosystems.
This block forms part of our Year 3 geography curriculum within the KS2 geography scheme. It develops foundational understanding of physical geography and global patterns which pupils revisit later in KS2 through topics linked to sustainability, environmental issues and global connections.
The lessons are designed to work flexibly within different curriculum structures and typically fit within a 45-60 minute geography lesson. Many schools teach geography through blocked units across half terms, while others use shorter weekly geography sessions across the term.
Recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, our Glorious Geography scheme supports progression from EYFS geography through to KS2 geography, including mixed-age geography planning.
