Sketch maps and cross sections
I can use sketch maps and cross sections to understand what a landscape is like.
Sketch maps and cross sections
I can use sketch maps and cross sections to understand what a landscape is like.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A sketch map is often used to show information one might not normally find on a map.
- A cross section shows what the landscape would look like if we were to slice through it vertically.
- Drawing a cross section can help geographers understand what a landscape looks like.
Keywords
Label - a written description of something in an image or on a map
Annotation - a detailed description or explanation of something one might not be able to see in an image or on a map
Cross section - an imaginary vertical slice through a landscape
Common misconception
A sketch map needs to be an artistic representation of a place.
A sketch map looks like a map as it has a plan orientation but it is not a work of art. It uses simple, clean lines to communicate the main features of a map.
To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: Sketch maps and cross sections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: Sketch maps and cross sections, 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 4 geography lessons from the Geographical and statistics skills unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
graph paper; paper strips