Explore how your local area has changed over time using maps, digital tools and fieldwork…
There’s one concept that unites the geography and history curriculums more than any other: change.
Whilst this is distinctly a geography lesson, it is important to highlight to children that much of what we see in the world is a result of processes of change over time. Geography (both physical and human) is a product of history.
This lesson helps children to notice changes that have occurred in their locality, and to understand why those changes have taken place. They’ll also develop their fieldwork and mapping skills…
Learning objectives
- Learn how aspects of human and physical geography have changed over time
- Use digital/computer mapping to locate and describe changing features of the local area
- Plan fieldwork to observe the changes in human and physical features in the local area
Starter activity
Because we are tackling some of the geography national curriculum’s objectives about the local area, you’ll have to begin with your own bit of research so that you can really make the most of this lesson plan.
Visit each of these websites listed below, input your school’s location, and get familiar with the maps:
- National Library of Scotland’s online map archive
- Open Street Map
- Historic England’s Aerial Archaeology Mapping Explorer
- Historic England’s Map Search
Aidan Severs is an experienced educator, consultant and writer who supports schools in improving teaching and learning through creative, research-informed classroom practice.
