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Year 4 - Geography

Change in a local area

Local area: what needs changing?

Unit Summary

This unit develops pupils' fieldwork and enquiry skills through a local investigation into change. Pupils use maps, tools and data to explore how their area is changing, collect and present information, and reflect on possible changes in the future.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use past and current sources of evidence to identify how you could investigate change in the locality.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children need to understand that evidence can become dated - especially mapping and media evidence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key 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.

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

An enquiry is an investigation of a geographical question or issue.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children need to understand that evidence can become dated - especially mapping and media evidence. Correction: You could present some media reports of an issue which has been resolved (e.g. a new road crossing).

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 Geography guide library.