This enquiry has been produced for the VTC as a result of a project between BECTa and QLS Staffordshire LEA.

Teacher Notes

Many of us have been affected by flooding over recent years: for some it is annoying as we find it difficult to travel around. For others it is devastating when property and treasured possessions are ruined. In some places flooding has tragic consequences.

In this enquiry for older Key Stage 2 and younger Key Stage 3 pupils, we are encouraged to look at flooding by rivers from around the world and to consider if there can be any positive benefits when a river floods.

This enquiry will provide a global perspective on your local area river work and can also be used to support topical work (such as What's in the News?) when we are affected by floods again!

Scale of enquiry: Global
Author: Garry Boote
Organisation: St Mary's CE C Junior School, Knutton
Age/ability group: Key Stage 2

Some National Curriculum 2000 Key Stage 2 Opportunities opened up by this Web Enquiry

Geographical enquiry and skills
1 a. ask geographical questions
2 a. use appropriate geographical vocabulary
2 c. use atlases and globes, and maps and plans at a range of scales
2 d. use secondary sources of information, including aerial photographs
2 f. use ICT to help in geographical investigations

Knowledge and understanding of places
3 a. identify and describe what places are like
3 b. the location of places and environments they study and other significant places and environments (e.g. places and environments in the news)
3 c. to describe where places are
3 d. to explain why places are like they are
3 g. to recognise how places fit within a wider geographical context and are interdependent

Knowledge and understanding of patterns and processes
4 a. recognise and explain patterns made by individual physical and human features in the environment
4 b. recognise some physical and human processes and explain how these can cause changes in places and environments

Knowledge and understanding of environmental change and sustainable development
5 a. recognise how decisions about places and environments affect the future quality of people's lives

Through the Study of Localities
6 c. water and its effects on landscapes and people
6 e. an environmental issue, caused by change in an environment

Resources

Try these Web-links for further enquiry and information

Rivers Around the World

http://falls.net/picttour/  (Niagara Falls Photo-tour)
http://www.pbs.org/ktca/newtons/12/floods.html 
http://members.aol.com/egyptmouse/nilendx.html 

Conservation

http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/ 

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/education/ (Conservation - Helping the otter / Clearing the river / improving Riverbanks / Flood Defence / Enjoying the Countryside / Building new ponds)
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk /education/schools/stones/stone04.htm (Pollution)

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