Year 5 Geography – Mountains Unit | Enquiry Based | Maps, Mountains & OS Skills

A full half term Year 5 Geography unit focused on mountains, map skills and physical geography, built around clear enquiry questions and practical outcomes.

This unit develops pupils’ understanding of how mountains are formed, where they are found, and how people interact with mountainous environments, with a strong emphasis on Ordnance Survey map skills and real world comparisons.

The sequence of learning is carefully structured and ideal for KS2 classrooms, with lessons that are engaging, visual and easy to adapt.

Enquiries covered:

• What is a mountain?
• Where are the world’s most significant mountain ranges?
• How are mountains formed?
• What is it like in the mountains?
• What is life like in the mountains?
• How are mountains represented on a map?
• Are there any mountains near Bradford?

Pupils will:

• Learn the four types of mountains (fold, fault block, volcanic and dome)
• Locate major mountain ranges and peaks worldwide
• Use 4 and 6 figure grid references confidently
• Read and interpret contour lines and gradients
• Compare Snowdon, the Yorkshire Three Peaks and local geography
• Use maps, atlases, aerial images and OS extracts

Included:

• Full unit overview and enquiry structure
• Lesson plans and PowerPoints
• Mapping Snowdon activities and worksheets
• OS map skills resources (4 and 6 figure grid references, contour lines, scale)
• Alps and Everest supporting materials
• Clear book outcomes and assessment opportunities

Perfect for Year 5, and easily adaptable for upper KS2.