This lesson looks at chalk landscapes using the case study of the South Downs. Case study: The South Downs![]() Characteristics
which is 271 metres above sea level - white cliffs, such as Beachy Head, where the chalk escarpment meets the coast - smooth, rolling hills - dry valleys Human activity
Human impacts on the landscape
Sources: BBC (2014) 'Case study: Chalk in the South Downs' BBC Bitesize Geography: Rock types in the British Isles. [Accessed 17/08/15] Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/rock_landscapes/rock_types_rev3.shtml Wikipedia (2015) South Downs. [Accessed on 17/08/15] Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Downs The 'South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment: Technical Report' (Land Use Consultants, 2005) is a very interesting and useful resource for both broader and more in-depth information on the South Downs. Starter Show a selection of photos of chalk landscapes e.g. Uffington White Horse, The Seven Sisters in East Sussex, photo of the South Downs showing white chalk footpaths. Give students a few minutes to work out what the connection is - they're all chalk landscapes. Main activities Students read this info sheet The Geology of Portsdown Hill and study the cross section diagram below of the geology of Portsdown. Ask them to answer the following questions after reading:
NOTE: Portsdown Hill is not part of the South Downs, but these resources were excellent at demonstrating chalk formations. The students then link this knowledge of chalk landscapes to specific examples in the South Downs by matching photos or diagrams of the following features to a description of their formation.
Students could then label a diagram similar to the one shown on the S-cool website's page on Chalk and Clay. Finally, students brainstorm human uses of the South Downs and the teacher introduces any they missed. Students then think about which of these activities change the landscape and to what extent. For the more difficult ones, like the grazing and WW2 farming, photos could be shown as clues. Plenary Tell students that the South Downs have been the inspiration for several authors, poets and artists. Show the students the following quotes and ask them to write their own one line poetic description of the South Downs. Put a selection of photos up on the board to give them some inspiration. Listen to a few examples from the class. Algernon Charles Swinburne "the green smooth-swelling unending downs" Rudyard Kipling "blunt, bow-headed, whale-backed downs" William Henry Hudson "during the whole fifty-three mile length from Beachy Head to Harting the ground never rises above the height of 850 feet, but we feel on top of the world."
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AuthorMy name is Heather and I am going to begin my SCITT course to train as a Geography teacher. ArchivesCategories
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