Forward Plan for Social Studies: People, Place, and Environment

Topic: Weather and Climate - Comparing Local Area with a Contrasting Area Outwith Britain

Desired Outcome: By comparing my local area with a contrasting area outwith Britain, I can investigate the main features of weather and climate, discussing the impact on living things.

Level: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Focus: Britain

Week 1: Introduction to Weather and Climate in Britain - Introduce the concept of weather and climate. - Discuss the difference between weather and climate. - Explore the main features of weather and climate in Britain. - Engage students in a class discussion about the impact of weather and climate on living things in Britain.

Week 2: Investigating Local Weather and Climate - Conduct a weather observation activity in the local area. - Teach students how to record weather data (temperature, precipitation, wind speed, etc.). - Analyze the collected data and identify patterns in the local weather and climate. - Discuss the impact of local weather and climate on living things in the area.

Week 3: Researching a Contrasting Area Outwith Britain - Introduce the concept of a contrasting area outwith Britain. - Assign students to research a specific contrasting area (e.g., a tropical rainforest, a desert, etc.). - Provide resources and guidance for students to gather information about the weather and climate in their chosen area. - Encourage students to explore the impact of weather and climate on living things in the contrasting area.

Week 4: Comparing Local and Contrasting Areas - Facilitate a class discussion comparing the weather and climate of the local area with the chosen contrasting area. - Encourage students to identify similarities and differences in terms of temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, etc. - Discuss the impact of weather and climate on living things in both areas. - Engage students in critical thinking by asking them to consider how living things have adapted to the different weather and climate conditions.

Week 5: Presenting Findings and Reflection - Provide students with an opportunity to present their research findings on the contrasting area outwith Britain. - Encourage students to reflect on the similarities and differences between the local area and the contrasting area. - Discuss the importance of understanding weather and climate for living things in different environments. - Conclude the unit by summarizing the main features of weather and climate in Britain and the contrasting area.

Assessment: - Assess students’ understanding of weather and climate through class discussions, observations, and participation in activities. - Evaluate students’ research skills and ability to compare and contrast weather and climate in different areas. - Provide feedback on students’ presentations and reflections to encourage further learning and understanding.

Note: This forward plan is designed for a five-week unit on weather and climate, focusing on comparing the local area with a contrasting area outwith Britain. Teachers can adapt the plan as per their specific classroom needs and available resources.