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Year 3 - Geography

The river's journey

Rivers: what's special about them?

Unit Summary

This unit explores how rivers change the land as they flow. Pupils learn about the journey of a river from source to mouth, the effects of flooding, and what makes rivers important. They compare rivers in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe changes in a river and its landforms as it flows along its course.

Key Notes

  • The width and depth of rivers get larger and the river gets faster as it flows from source to mouth.
  • The rocks in the river usually get smaller as the river flows downstream.
  • Landforms like waterfalls are usually found in the upper course of a river.
  • Landforms like meanders and floodplains are found in the middle and lower course of a river.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • course: The course of a river is the path it takes from its source at the start to its mouth at the end
  • downstream: Downstream is the direction a river flows as it moves towards the mouth
  • tributary: A tributary is a smaller river or stream that joins a bigger river
  • landform: A landform is a natural feature created by a process such as erosion or deposition

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Rivers are fast near the source and become slower as they flow downstream.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The width and depth of rivers get larger and the river gets faster as it flows from source to mouth. The rocks in the river usually get smaller as the river flows downstream.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'course'

The course of a river is the path it takes from its source at the start to its mouth at the end.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Rivers are fast near the source and become slower as they flow downstream. Correction: Rivers are, on average, slower in the upper course. The reason for this is due to small rivers being slowed down by friction with the bed and the banks.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 Geography guide library.