Our Planet: Earth's Features and Resources

Overview

This unit introduces students to the physical geography of Earth and its natural resources. Students will explore continents, oceans, major landforms, and water bodies, understand the difference between weather and climate, and investigate how natural resources are distributed and used. Through this study, students will understand how Earth's features shape human settlement and activity.

Key Concept

Systems — Earth operates as a system of interconnected physical features, climate patterns, and resource cycles.

Resources — The natural materials and features that people use for survival and development.
Patterns — The regular distribution of landforms, climate zones, and resources across the Earth.
Sustainability — Using resources responsibly so they are available for future generations.

Global Context

Globalization and Sustainability — How do Earth's resources connect people around the world? How can we use resources sustainably?

Statement of Inquiry

Earth's physical features and resources shape how and where humans live.

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

What are the seven continents and five oceans?
What are the major types of landforms and water bodies?
What is the difference between weather and climate?

Conceptual Questions

How do physical features influence where people settle?
Why are natural resources distributed unevenly across the Earth?
How does climate affect the way people live?

Debatable Questions

Should countries share their natural resources with others?
Is it possible to use Earth's resources without harming the environment?
Which is more important for human settlement — access to water or access to fertile land?

ATL Skills

Thinking Skills

Analyse how physical features influence human settlement.
Compare different regions of the world in terms of geography and resources.
Evaluate the sustainability of resource use.

Communication Skills

Use geographic vocabulary accurately.
Create maps and diagrams to show physical features.
Present research findings using visual aids.

Research Skills

Locate and name continents, oceans, and major physical features.
Gather information about natural resources and their uses.
Use atlases, maps, and digital tools for geographic research.

Self-Management Skills

Organise research notes and map work.
Manage group projects on geographic topics.
Develop observation skills for the natural environment.

Content

Week 1: Our Planet Earth

Earth in the solar system: size, shape, and composition.
The seven continents: location, size, key features.
The five oceans: location and importance.
Using globes and maps to explore the world.

Week 2: Landforms

Major landforms: mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, hills.
How landforms are created: tectonic forces, erosion, weathering.
Famous landforms around the world.
Landform identification and mapping.

Week 3: Water Bodies

Oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and ponds.
The water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
Importance of water for life and human activity.
Major rivers and lakes of the world.

Week 4: Weather and Climate

Weather vs. climate: what is the difference?
Factors affecting climate: latitude, altitude, distance from sea.
Climate zones: tropical, temperate, polar.
How climate affects daily life, clothing, food, and housing.

Week 5: Natural Resources

Types of resources: renewable and non-renewable.
Key resources: water, soil, minerals, energy, forests.
How resources are used in daily life.
Resource distribution around the world.

Week 6: Humans and the Environment

How physical features and resources shape where people live.
Environmental challenges: pollution, deforestation, resource depletion.
Sustainable use of resources.
Unit review and summative assessment.

Summative Assessment

Geographic Features Report: Students will research a specific country or region and create a report that describes its physical features (landforms, water bodies, climate) and natural resources, and explains how these have shaped human settlement and activity. The report must include maps, diagrams, and a written analysis.

World Features Map: Students will create a detailed world map showing continents, oceans, major landforms, and key natural resources, with a legend and written explanations of geographic patterns.

Formative Assessment

Continent and ocean identification quizzes.
Landform classification and matching activities.
Water body identification and labelling.
Weather vs. climate sorting exercises.
Resource use tracking and analysis.
Map creation and interpretation activities.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Science: Earth's structure, the water cycle, and climate science.
Mathematics: Measuring distances, comparing sizes of continents and oceans.
Language and Literature: Reading and writing about geographic exploration.
Art: Creating physical maps and landscape art.

Service as Action

Organise a water conservation campaign at school.
Create a school garden highlighting local plants and sustainable practices.
Develop educational materials about Earth's features for younger students.
Participate in a local environmental clean-up or conservation effort.

IB Learner Profile

Inquirers: Students explore Earth's features and resources with curiosity.
Knowledgeable: Students understand the physical geography of our planet.
Caring: Students develop concern for environmental sustainability.
Thinkers: Students analyse the relationship between physical features and human activity.
Reflective: Students reflect on their use of natural resources.

Self-Test

Name the seven continents and five oceans.
What is the difference between a mountain and a plateau?
Describe the water cycle in three steps.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Name three factors that affect climate.
Give two examples of renewable resources and two examples of non-renewable resources.
How do rivers affect where people settle?
What are the three main climate zones?
Why is water considered our most important natural resource?
How can we use natural resources more sustainably in our daily lives?