Download free geography long term overview.
In this block of learning, you will cover the following lessons:
🗺️ Week 1: What are natural resources?
🗺️ Week 2: Where does electricity come from?
🗺️ Week 3: How do we get water?
🗺️ Week 4: How does the food get to our table?
🗺️ Week 5: What are minerals?
🗺️ Week 6: Will we run out?
(fieldwork – natural resources in the locality)
✅ Understand what natural resources are and identify examples from the natural world.
✅ Explore how electricity is generated using natural resources
✅ Investigate how humans collect, store, transport and use water.
✅ Trace the journey of food from source to table and understand that food is a natural resource.
✅ Explore what minerals are, where they come from, and how they are used.
✅ Consider the sustainability of natural resources and explore conservation strategies.
Energy powers our everyday lives, from the electricity that lights our homes to the fuel that moves our transport. But where does this energy actually come from? In this engaging geography unit, pupils will explore the Earth’s natural resources and how they are used to generate power, provide food, and supply water. By looking at both renewable and non-renewable resources, they will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of human activity on the planet and the importance of sustainability.
Understanding Natural Resources
Pupils will start by learning about natural resources—materials found in the environment that humans use to meet their needs. They will identify examples of these resources in the UK and across the world, recognising their role in everyday life. From fossil fuels to fresh water, this unit helps pupils appreciate the Earth’s valuable resources and how we depend on them.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
One of the key focuses of this unit is energy generation. Pupils will investigate how electricity is produced using both renewable and non-renewable resources. They will explore fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, considering their environmental impact and long-term availability. At the same time, they will learn about renewable alternatives such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, examining their benefits and challenges. Through real-world examples, pupils will see how energy production varies across different regions and why there is a growing push for cleaner energy solutions.
The Journey of Water
Water is one of our most essential natural resources, and pupils will discover how humans collect, store, and transport it. They will investigate where water comes from, how it is cleaned and distributed, and why conservation is crucial. The unit will also introduce key global issues, such as water shortages in some parts of the world, helping pupils develop an awareness of the inequalities in access to clean water.
From Farm to Fork: Understanding Food as a Natural Resource
Food doesn’t simply appear in shops—it follows a journey from source to table. Pupils will explore how food is grown, harvested, processed, and transported before reaching our plates. They will examine different types of farming, from arable and pastoral farming in the UK to fishing and global food production. Through this, pupils will gain an understanding of the environmental impact of food production and the importance of sustainable farming practices.
Minerals and Their Uses
Minerals are another vital natural resource that humans rely on every day. Pupils will explore how minerals such as iron, copper, and salt are extracted from the Earth and used in everything from construction to medicine. They will consider the environmental consequences of mining and discuss ways to use these resources more responsibly.
The Challenge of Sustainability
As human demand for natural resources continues to grow, sustainability becomes an important issue. Pupils will examine the challenges of balancing resource use with environmental conservation. They will explore strategies for reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and making responsible choices that protect the planet for future generations. Discussions on recycling, renewable energy, and sustainable farming will help them think critically about their own impact on the world.
A Thought-Provoking and Interactive Learning Experience
This unit is designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, encouraging pupils to think about where the resources they use every day come from. Engaging activities, discussions, and investigations will help them understand the science behind energy generation, the importance of conservation, and the role of geography in shaping our relationship with the natural world.
By the end of the unit, pupils will have a solid understanding of where energy and other vital resources come from, how they are used, and why it is essential to manage them responsibly. They will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices and contribute to a more sustainable future.
