Mapping the coast
I can use maps and other sources to recognise, locate and describe a range of coastal features in the UK.
Mapping the coast
I can use maps and other sources to recognise, locate and describe a range of coastal features in the UK.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Maps can help us identify different human and physical features of coasts.
- The UK has a lot of coastlines as it includes one large island, part of another, and thousands of smaller islands.
- The UK coastline has a great diversity of features. This means that the land can be used in many different ways.
- Almost all of the UK coastlines can be walked.
Keywords
Human features - A human feature is something that humans have made or built.
Physical features - A physical feature is natural and has not been formed or made by humans.
Land use - Land use is the function or purpose of a particular area.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that cliffs and headlands are the same thing or that all cliffs are headlands.
A headland is surrounded on three sides by water. Headlands can consist of cliffs, but cliffs can be found on coastlines that are not headlands. So it is true to say that not all cliffs are headlands, therefore cliffs and headlands are not the same.
To help you plan your year 6 geography lesson on: Mapping the coast, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 geography lesson on: Mapping the coast, 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 2 geography lessons from the Coasts: what happens where the land meets the sea? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You may use some OS maps of a stretch of the UK coast but the lesson can be taught without these.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a long narrow stretch of pebbles and sand attached to the mainland
the wide tidal mouth of a river
a flat area of very wet mud near the sea which is covered by high tide
a sheltered part of the coast where ships and boats can anchor safely
a platform on stilts jutting out into the sea
a tall round tower with automated flashing lights at the top