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Year 5 - Geography

Using digital maps to identify forests around the world

Local and global: why are trees and forests important?

Unit Summary

This unit explores the importance of trees and forests at local, national and global scales. Pupils investigate the benefits of trees, map forest change over time, and plan action in response to environmental change in their own local area.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a geographic information system (GIS) to identify where different types of forests are located.

Key Notes

  • Geographic information systems (GIS) are digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns
  • Geographic information systems can be used to investigate the location of forests.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • geographic information system: a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns
  • digital map: a map that we can see and use on a computer, tablet or smartphone
  • biome: a large area with a similar climate, wildlife and vegetation
  • layer: a piece of information that we can put on top of a basemap in a GIS

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Explaining something is the same as describing something.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Geographic information systems (GIS) are digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns. Geographic information systems can be used to investigate the location of forests.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'geographic information system'

a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Explaining something is the same as describing something. Correction: Describing is saying what we see, while explaining is giving reasons for something.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 Geography guide library.