Lesson Plan: People, Place, and Environment - Exploring Scotland’s Landscape

Subject: Social Studies

Grade Level: Second Level (ages 8-12)

Topic: People, Place, and Environment - Scotland’s Landscape

Curriculum Links: Curriculum for Excellence - Social Studies

Learning Outcomes: - I can describe the major characteristic features of Scotland’s landscape. - I can explain how these features were formed, with a focus on volcanic mountains.

Resources: - Maps of Scotland - Pictures of Scotland’s landscape - Informational videos or websites about Scotland’s geology - Paper and pencils for students to take notes

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by showing students a map of Scotland and asking them to identify major geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and lakes. 2. Discuss with students what they already know about Scotland’s landscape and how it may have been formed.

Main Activity (30 minutes): 1. Introduce the concept of volcanic mountains and explain how they are formed through volcanic activity. 2. Show pictures and videos of Scotland’s volcanic mountains, such as Ben Nevis and the Cuillin Hills, and discuss their characteristics. 3. Have students take notes on the major characteristic features of Scotland’s volcanic mountains and how they were formed. 4. Divide students into small groups and have them research and present on a specific volcanic mountain in Scotland, including its formation and significance.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Have students share their research findings with the class and discuss the similarities and differences between the different volcanic mountains in Scotland. 2. Review the major characteristic features of Scotland’s landscape and how they were formed, focusing on volcanic mountains. 3. Encourage students to think about how Scotland’s landscape has influenced its history and culture.

Assessment: - Students’ notes on the major characteristic features of Scotland’s volcanic mountains and how they were formed. - Group presentations on specific volcanic mountains in Scotland.

Extension: - Take a virtual field trip to a volcanic mountain in Scotland using Google Earth or other online resources. - Have students create a poster or infographic showcasing the major characteristic features of Scotland’s landscape, with a focus on volcanic mountains.