KS2 Geography Curriculum Activities
For Teachers and Home Educators
National Curriculum for England Key Stage 2 Education
Educational Resources for Teachers and Parents
Hands-On Education offers key stage 1 and key stage 2 students an English curriculum-based learning experience through a range of engaging geography and other subject activities. Lower and Upper Key Stage 2 Geography is not a stand-alone subject, it is geared towards students aged 7-11 and utilises key subject areas such as reading, mathematics and science. Our activities are designed to facilitate learning at home or in school, making it a flexible option for students and home educators alike.
The national curriculum of England subject of geography covers various areas, including maps, sketch maps, navigation, time zones, trade links, water cycles and place knowledge. This is all designed to engage children in active learning with meaningful outcomes.
Local Geography in Primary Schools
Geography is a subject that can help children understand key aspects of the wider world and the ways in which people interact with the environment. The national curriculum for England focuses on a variety of geographical skills including time zones, trade links, locational knowledge, and land use. Pupils learn about the key physical and human characteristics of different places, as well as the environmental regions that exist around the world.
Locational knowledge is often taught in primary schools and is a key aspect of the primary national curriculum geography. Helping children to understand where different places are located on a map and how to read and interpret ordinance survey maps is key. By developing these skills, children can gain a better understanding of the major cities, countries, and regions around them and the world.
Human and Physical Geography
Another key area of geography taught in primary schools is the study of human geography. This involves looking at how people interact with the environment and how different societies and cultures are shaped by their physical surroundings. Children may also learn about the trade links that exist between different countries and the ways in which different regions are connected through trade.
Finally, geography can help children to gain a better understanding of the world around them, including their local area. By exploring the human and physical characteristics of their local environment such as their school grounds. Children can gain an appreciation for the unique qualities of their surroundings and develop a sense of place. This can be particularly important for primary school children who attend local authority-maintained schools and who may have limited opportunities to explore the wider world and gain extended place knowledge.
KS2 Geography Activities
The key stage two geography curriculum is a vital part of a child's education as it exposes them to a range of important topics that are crucial for their overall development. The national curriculum of England subject of geography covers various areas, including maps, sketch maps, navigation, time zones, trade links, water cycles and place knowledge. This is all designed to engage children in active learning with meaningful outcomes.
At Hands-On Education, we understand the significance of providing a broad range of primary resources to support children's learning across different key stage subjects. Our resources cover cross-curricular objectives across the English national curriculum, including Art & Design, Design & Technology, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, and Science.
Hands-On Education consider the ks2 geography curriculum an essential part of a child's education. We are committed to providing teachers and parents with resources they need to ensure their students receive the best possible learning experience.
A Look at the Seven Continents
The stand-alone subject of Geography is the study of the world and all its human and physical features. It aims to teach children that earth is divided into seven continents: North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceana, and Antarctica. These continents are further divided into countries, each with its own unique human and physical geography and human characteristics.
The wider world is divided into the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. The northern hemisphere includes North America, Europe, and Asia, while the southern hemisphere includes South America, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.
South America is known for its diverse landscape, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Atacama Desert. The continent is also home to many different cultures and languages.
Human Geography Characteristics
Learning about the world's countries and their human and physical geography is an important part of ks2 geography in the national curriculum for England. Students learn about identifying human geography characteristics and features, such as the different types of settlements found in European countries.
One way to explore key physical and human geography is by using ordinance survey maps, which show the different landforms and features of an area. Overall, the geography curriculum aims to help students develop a better understanding of the wider world around them.
Geography in Your Local Area
Geography is a fascinating subject that encompasses both physical and human aspects of our world. In your local area, you can observe a variety of human and physical features that reflect the land use patterns and geography of a region. Let’s look at South America.
Physical geography refers to the natural features of the Earth's surface, such as the mountains, rivers, and climate zones of South America. Human geography in contrast will focus on the ways in which South American people interact with and shape their environment.
One way to develop your geography skills is to locate countries on a map and study their physical and human characteristics. For example, you can learn about the different climate zones of a South American or European country. Discover their vegetation patterns and how they vary in different parts of the world. Look at the cultural and economic factors that influence their land use.
In your local area, you might observe physical features like hills, forests, and the water cycle. Also pay attention to human features like roads, buildings, and farms. By studying the interaction between these features, you can gain a better understanding of the geography of your region and the ways in which it has been shaped by human activity. Through developing your geography skills and knowledge, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural and human features of your local area and the wider world.
KS2 Geography in the National Curriculum
Physical and human geography is a fascinating ks2 subject that helps us understand the world better. Here are some additional points to consider when investigating human and physical features in a more comprehensive way:
- The study of ks2 geography is not limited to the physical features of the earth, but also includes the human elements such as population, culture, economy, and politics.
- The seven continents are not only distinguished by their human and physical geography but also by their cultural and linguistic diversity. Each continent has a unique history and heritage.
- The northern hemisphere is more densely populated than the southern hemisphere, and it is also more developed in terms of infrastructure and technology. However, the southern hemisphere has vast natural resources that are essential for the global economy.
- South America is a continent of great contrasts, from the tropical rainforests to the high Andes Mountains. It is also home to many indigenous communities with a rich cultural heritage.
- The study of geography is not just about memorizing names and locations of countries, major cities and landforms. It is about developing critical thinking skills that help us analyse and interpret data, make informed decisions, and solve real-world problems.
- The use of digital technology has revolutionized the way we study geography. Students can use interactive maps, satellite imagery, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to explore the world in new and exciting ways.
- The study of geography is becoming increasingly important in a globalized world where environmental issues, migration, and geopolitical tensions are shaping the future of our planet. By understanding the world’s countries, we can make better decisions and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Digital Technologies in Geography
Geography is a fascinating subject that encompasses both the study of physical and human characteristics. It is a subject that requires a student to understand key aspects of location knowledge, which includes the use of six-figure grid references and the interpretation of maps to locate countries, including sketch maps, trade links, time zones atlases, globes and digital technology. It is important students are taught about the different figure grid reference symbols and how to use them. Pupils are commonly taught about the different climate zones and how they are affected by key physical and human geography.
Economic activity is another important aspect of geography, and students can explore how different countries and regions use their resources to generate wealth.
One of the most interesting areas of geography is the study of the polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctic circles. These areas are unique in terms of their climate, wildlife and human geography. Geography teaches about the key topographical features of these areas, such as ice caps, glaciers, and tundra, and how they are affected by global warming.
Land Patterns in Geography
Another important area of study in geography is land use patterns. This involves looking at how humans use the land for different purposes, such as agriculture, industry, and housing. Students are taught about the different six figure grid reference symbols and how they are used to identify different features on atlas’s, globes and digital maps.
In the English national curriculum, geography is taught at KS1 and KS2 levels. Students are expected to develop a range of geographical knowledge and skills. This includes an understanding of both human and physical geography, as well as the ability to use digital and physical maps and other geographical tools to navigate their local area as well as locate countries. Overall, geography is a fascinating subject that aims to teach children how to understand the wider world and their place within it.
A Final Note on KS2 Geography
Hands-On Education offers a great opportunity for children to learn about geography, particularly in the key stages of their education. By using ordnance survey maps, students can learn about the geographical similarities and features of their local area and compare it to other areas in the UK. This helps them to understand the similarities and differences in landscapes, as well as the impact of human activity on the environment.
Hands-On Education also provides a range of activities to engage children in the learning process, including worksheets and videos. These resources are designed to be fun and interactive, helping children to develop a deeper understanding of geography. KS2 geography in England is an essential part of the curriculum, and Hands-On Education provides a valuable resource for both teachers and students.
In summary, Hands-On Education is a fantastic way to learn about geography in the key stages of education. With ordnance survey maps, kid’s activities, worksheets, videos and more, it offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that helps students to develop a lifelong love of geography.
If you are looking beyond KS2 be sure to explore more of our exclusive topics. We cover key stage one learning across the national curriculum for England in:
