Change in a local area
I can use past and current sources of evidence to identify how I could investigate change in the locality.
Change in a local area
I can use past and current sources of evidence to identify how I could investigate change in the locality.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geographical enquiry develops existing geographical knowledge by examining evidence and gathering data in the field.
- Previous studies of the local area are sources of evidence but can date quickly.
- Evidence for local area change can be found in historical maps and current OS maps, which are refreshed annually.
- Evidence for recent change or local issues can also be found in the news, from talking to people and through fieldwork.
Keywords
Enquiry - An enquiry is an investigation of a geographical question or issue.
Historical maps - Historical maps show what an area was like in the past.
OS Maps - OS maps are the official maps of Great Britain produced by the Ordnance Survey.
Media - The media comprises all the ways that lots of people receive their information, including television, radio, newspapers and the internet.
Common misconception
Children need to understand that evidence can become dated - especially mapping and media evidence.
You could present some media reports of an issue which has been resolved (e.g. a new road crossing).
To help you plan your year 4 geography lesson on: Change in a local area, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 geography lesson on: Change in a local area, 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 Local area: what needs changing? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
OS maps of the local area, hisotrical and current. Media reports of local area issues.