Taking KS1 - Local Area Study Outdoors

Knowing the differences between human and physical features

LO: To understand the differences between human and physical features.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

To use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to: key physical features, key human features.
To use aerial photographs to recognise basic human and physical features.
To devise a simple map.

During this outdoor lesson, your children will secure their understanding of ‘human’ and ‘physical’ features and begin to recognise these in their local area. They’ll also have the opportunity to get creative using natural loose parts on a large-scale to do this!

Learning how to use plan perspectives

LO: To learn how to use plan perspectives.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

To use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise basic human and physical features.
To use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to: key physical features, key human features.

Combine maths and geography with this fun and unique outdoor lesson! Your children will begin by moving around your school grounds to gain a better understanding of the space, then move to transferring this knowledge to a plan perspective, incorporating measures to demonstrate this on a large-scale.

Describing a route on a map

LO: To use locational and directional language to describe a route on a map.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

To use simple compass directions and locational and directional language to describe the location of features and routes on a map.
To use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the key human and physical features of their school’s surrounding environment.

This outdoor lesson centres around taking your children on a walk around your local area, outlining the fieldwork activities you will complete along the way and the preparation needed beforehand to create a successful walk. The perfect session to utilise to engage your local in their local environment more!

Using symbols to create a map key

LO: To use symbols to create a key on a simple map.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

To use simple compass directions and locational and directional language, to describe the location of features and routes on a map.
To use aerial photographs to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features; devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key.

Following on from your walk in Lesson 3, this outdoor lesson asks your children to reflect on the features they saw and the route they took. They will work collaboratively to create a map of your route, then use natural loose parts and chalk to begin to incorporate symbols for features, using this as a basis for a map key.

Mrs Davies

Amazing resources which have really helped our school be more confident in using the outdoor space to enhance the children's learning. Great, fun, easy to follow lesson plans, which link directly to the key objectives!

Sharon Taylan

The Alfresco planning hub is a fantastic resources with lesson that are easy to pick up and teach. I use them both as full lesson, lesson starters and intervention session for an LSA. Would highly recommend.

Karyn Weglarz

I am a member of the Planning Hub and I love the variety of lessons provided. Most lessons need only simple materials that I usually already have on hand. I love taking my students out with these lessons.

Amy McTague

Brilliant resources, easy to follow and adapt for learners, clear progression!

Laura Walton

The online planning hub is a lifesaver. I teach in KS1 and the children always ask when we are going outside and parents always say how excited the children are about their outdoor learning. It is exactly what I was looking for and have now been using it for several years. Thank you for such a brilliant resource!

KS1 - Local Area Study

Knowing the differences between human and physical features

LO: To understand the differences between human and physical features.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

Learning how to use plan perspectives

LO: To learn how to use plan perspectives.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

Describing a route on a map

LO: To use locational and directional language to describe a route on a map.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

Using symbols to create a map key

LO: To use symbols to create a key on a simple map.

National Curriculum Objectives covered:

Before you get started...