Topic (1.2): What’s in our Geography Kit?

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • explain the terms: maps, atlases, compass, photos, aerial photos, satellite images, sensors, Google Earth, GIS;
  • explain how a map could help you find your way around town;
  • explain the difference between photos and satellite images;
  • give three examples of what Google Earth can be used for;
  • explain what GIS is used for.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This topic is all about the resources you will use to study geography.


Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • We will learn more about using maps in Module Two, and you will cover GIS in Year 8. Why not get a head start by exploring these two links: Links to an external site.

EXPLORE - Google Earth (Google) Links to an external site.

EXPLORE - Google Maps (Google) Links to an external site.

  • Go through Lesson 1.2, see below for extra instructions:

COMPLETE - Lesson 1.2 What’s in your geography kit? (Kerboodle)  Links to an external site.

    • Activity 1 - This photo shows a young reindeer herder in Siberia in Russia. Her family lives in a tent and moves with the reindeer to find pasture. List three things which make places special to us. Do you think the young reindeer herder is likely to have a different list?
    • Activity 5 – This activity will help you to develop your geographical terminology. Can you think of as many words relating to the lesson as you can, using the letters provided?
  • geog.1, pages 8-9 – read through these pages and complete all the ‘Your turn’ activities.
  • Many students find describing photographs clearly one of the hardest skills. The worksheet ‘Describing Photographs’ will give you some great practice at this:

COMPLETE - 1.2 Describing Photographs Worksheet (TeachIt) Download COMPLETE - 1.2 Describing Photographs Worksheet (TeachIt)


Review Icon.png Review

COMPLETE – End-of-lesson test 1.2 (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.


Bridge Icon.png Supportive activity for this topic

COMPLETE – 1.2 Foundation worksheet (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.


Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

As we have seen in Topic 1.1, geography is about change. Explore how your area has changed in the past 35 years using Google Earth Timelapse:   Links to an external site.

EXPLORE – Google Earth Time lapse (Google) Links to an external site.

COMPLETE – 1.2 Extension worksheet (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.


Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK – [M01] Your Turn Answers

CHECK - 1.2 Foundation worksheet answers (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

CHECK - 1.2 Extension worksheet answers (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

CHECK - Skills-Pod GIS worksheet answers (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.