Year 5 - Geography
Water: our essential resource
Natural resources: what are they, where are they found, why are they important?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit introduces natural resources, including food, water, minerals and energy. Pupils explore where different resources are found, how they are used, and the effects of this use on people and the environment.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why water is a precious resource and identify some of the threats to its availability and distribution.
Key Notes
- Water resources across the world are unequal and influenced by patterns of climate.
- Global water use varies and is linked to latitude, climate, and amount of agriculture and industry in a place.
- Our use of water must be sustainable.
- Existing water resources are becoming increasingly polluted through human activity.
Vocabulary To Learn
- fresh water: Fresh water is water that is not salty.
- reservoir: A reservoir is an artificial lake made by humans to store water.
- water supply: Water supply means the water from lakes, rivers and reservoirs that is carried by pipes to homes and businesses for daily use.
- sustainable: Using a resource in a way that ensures there will be enough left for future generations.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That water originates from pipes or taps.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Water resources across the world are unequal and influenced by patterns of climate. Global water use varies and is linked to latitude, climate, and amount of agriculture and industry in a place.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'fresh water'
Fresh water is water that is not salty.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: That water originates from pipes or taps. Correction: All water is a natural resource and originates from bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Geography guide library.