Geography Lesson Plan

Time

Task

Starter

From feedback most groups didnt complete the plenary task from L1 so use this as an
intro / recap. Review and then introduce title and key terms

0 10
Task 1
10 - 20

Task 2
20 - 40
Task 3
40 - 50
Task 4

Introduce the location of the polar environments and pose the question what makes
them extreme? Review the five factors make note of the teacher notes on the slide.
Students complete diamond rank diagram listing the factors from most extreme to
least extreme. Students should then complete the tasks from the sheet as an
extension if they finish
Explain that despite being extreme people do visit these environments. Ask questions
to find out why. Draw out challenging exciting beautiful etc. Students to read the
quotes on the reverse of their sheet.
Students complete levelled extended writing piece.

50 - 70

Plenary
70 - 75

Use a series of questions to explore students stories, what factors have they explored.
Which factors are most challenging?

Resources Needed for this Lesson

Diamond rank activity / quotes sheet
Two colours to highlight / underline with
Dictionary (potentially)

By the end of this lesson students should

know:
Where polar environments can be found
What the term extreme environment means
What makes polar environments extreme and
which factors are most challenging

Recap challenge:
Can you write a paragraph that uses as
many of these key terms as possible?
Biome

Scale

Living
Interact

Non-living

Animals

Biotic

Climate

t
n
e
m
n
o
Envir
Adapted
Soil
Plants
Abiotic

Live

Interde
p

endent

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine

what makes it an extreme environment
Terms for your glossary:
Extreme environment somewhere which is difficult for
plants, animals and humans to survive in
Adaptation a change plants or animals make to survive in
an environment

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine what makes it an extreme environment

What and where are polar environments?

Over the Arctic ocean

Regions surrounding the geographical poles

Dominated by polar ice

Over the continent of Antarctica

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine what makes it an extreme environment

What makes polar regions extreme?

Topograph

ht
g
i
n
Polar

Dangerous wildlife

Climate

Winds

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine what makes it an extreme environment

Do we all agree then?

These environments
are extreme?
But which is most
extreme?
And why?

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine what makes it an extreme environment

Diamond ranking task

Which factor is most extreme?
Temperature
Lack of rainfall
Darkness
Isolation
Lack of food
Polar bears
Mountains
Sunburn
Wind
Lack of shelter
Changing landscape

Which factor is least extreme?

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine what makes it an extreme environment

Despite being extreme explorers have tried to

conquer both poles for more than a century!

WHY?!?!

Lesson aim to explore the polar ecosystems to determine what makes it an extreme environment

All levels
Read through the quotes from the explorers, which describe
the extreme conditions they fought to overcome.
1.

Highlight any words that you do not know and find their definition in
the dictionary and annotate next to the word.
2. Highlight the words and quotes that describe the worst conditions and
effects/impacts on themselves in a different colour.
3. Choose one of the quotes and continue the story from the eyes of the
explorer. Use the criteria below to guide your response.
Standard
Your story identifies the factors which are challenging for you to face.
Extended
Your story explains why the environment is challenging for you. How does it
affect you?
Advanced
Your story explains why the environment is
challenging and evaluates which factors are
affecting you the most.