Year 5 - Geography
Using digital maps to identify different landscapes of North and South America
North and South America: how diverse are their places and landscapes?
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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 the continents of North and South America through their physical and human features. Pupils explore climate, land use, and economic activity across different regions, and plan a journey that connects a range of contrasting places.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use a geographic information system (GIS) to investigate different landscapes in North and South America.
Key Notes
- Geographic information systems (GIS) contain digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns.
- Geographic information systems can be used to investigate different landscapes in North and South America.
Vocabulary To Learn
- geographic information system: a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns
- biome: a large area with similar plants, animals and climate
- landscape: the features of an area, made up of natural things like hills and rivers, and human things like buildings and roads
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- A layer is a background map on a GIS.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Geographic information systems (GIS) contain digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns. Geographic information systems can be used to investigate different landscapes in North and South America.
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: A layer is a background map on a GIS. Correction: A basemap is the background map in a GIS. It shows things like countries, rivers, and roads. A layer is extra information you can add on top of the basemap, for example, where volcanoes are or how many people live in each area.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Climate of North and South America Study Guide
- Economic activities of North and South America Study Guide
- Human geography of North and South America Study Guide
- Physical geography of North and South America Study Guide
- Planning a journey through the Americas Study Guide
- Using maps to locate countries in North and South America Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Geography guide library.