Put river processes into context with a very human dilemma in this free KS3 geography lesson plan…
River processes and landforms are an integral part of the geography curriculum, but they can be rather theoretical. This lesson turns meanders into a problem-solving exercise.
Cover river processes by taking an imaginary trip down the River Rhine. You could, of course, choose a different river, including one in a developing country.
The river course near Speyer in Germany has been heavily modified by humans. This is to control flooding and to straighten the route for shipping. This itself is an appropriation of natural processes.
Pupils will need to demonstrate their knowledge of the physical processes, but the emphasis is on application, and solving the problem of what to do with the released land.
Starter activity
The starter involves understanding the processes operating on a meander. One way to do this is to ask students to put a series of image cards into order to show the development of the meander.
Start by demonstrating the old trick with water staying in a bucket swung overhead in order to give the clue about centrifugal force.
Once this is sorted and discussed, pupils can make their own notes to explain the process – these will be needed later.
Ian Stock taught geography for 30 years in Brentwood, Essex. He is the author of the book The Great Exception. Download our KS2 rivers fact file.
