Droughts and Wildfires

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 6 students to the causes, effects, and management of droughts and wildfires, linking to the National Curriculum for Geography (England). Students will develop their geographical understanding through discussion, group work, and creative activities, incorporating differentiated learning strategies and dyslexia-friendly resources.

National Curriculum Links

Geography Programme of Study (Key Stage 2):
- Human and physical geography: Describe and understand key aspects of physical geography including climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts, and the impact of natural hazards.
- Place knowledge: Understand the geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region of the United Kingdom and a region in a European country.
- Locational knowledge: Use maps, atlases, and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

Identify the key causes of droughts and wildfires.
Explain the effects these disasters have on the environment and communities.
Describe methods used to manage and mitigate droughts and wildfires.
Use maps and resources to locate areas at risk in the UK and globally.

Success Criteria

I can list causes of droughts and wildfires with examples.
I can describe at least two effects of droughts and wildfires on people and animals.
I can explain how humans can manage or reduce the impact of these disasters.
I can work collaboratively to present my ideas clearly using maps and images.

Resources Needed

Large UK and world maps (physical or digital)
Colourful fact cards (dyslexia-friendly font: Arial / Comic Sans, size 14, off-white backgrounds)
Visuals/photos of droughts and wildfires
Whiteboards / paper and colouring pencils
“Cause and Effect” worksheets with graphic organisers (dyslexia-friendly)
Tablets or laptops (optional) for research extension
Timer or stopwatch

Lesson Structure

1. Engage & Connect (10 minutes)

Starter Activity: Show striking images of droughts and wildfires.
Ask: "What do you notice in these pictures? What might cause this?"
Brief class discussion to activate prior knowledge and set curiosity.
Link to UK and global context: highlight drought and wildfire risks in UK regions and famous global examples.

2. Explore Causes (10 minutes)

Present cause fact-cards for droughts and wildfires (e.g., climate conditions, human activity, natural factors).
In pairs, pupils sort cards into "Causes of Drought" and "Causes of Wildfires".
Dyslexia-friendly differentiation: Provide audio support versions of fact-cards and label cards with icons.
Share and discuss findings as a class.

3. Investigate Effects (15 minutes)

Group work (mixed ability groups) using cause and effect graphic organisers:
- Identify environmental, human, and economic effects of droughts and wildfires.
- Use visuals and bullet-point prompts on worksheet to support ideas.
Extension for advanced learners: Use case study examples (e.g., Australia bushfires, Kenya drought) and add detail on long-term effects.
Support for diverse learners: Provide sentence starters and vocabulary mats.

4. Management & Mitigation Strategies (15 minutes)

Present different management strategies (e.g., water conservation, fire breaks, controlled burns, emergency services).
Class brainstorm: "How can communities prepare or respond?"
Small groups create a poster or digital slide summarising one management strategy.
Dyslexia-friendly: Use visuals, minimal text, and bullet points.
Advanced learners investigate and explain pros and cons of each method.

5. Plenary & Review (10 minutes)

Quiz: Quickfire questions on causes, effects, and management (interactive team game).
Reflect: Ask pupils to write or draw one thing they learned and one question they still have.
Discuss how geographical knowledge can help people live safely in hazard-prone areas.

Differentiation Strategies

Visual supports: Use images, maps, symbols alongside text.
Varied task formats: Sorting cards, graphic organisers, visual posters, oral explanations.
Scaffolded writing: Sentence starters, word banks.
Audio resources: Fact cards can be recorded for pupils with reading difficulties.
Peer support: Mixed-ability groupings encourage collaborative learning.
Use of technology: Tablets for research or presentation aids (if available).

Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

Use sans-serif fonts (Arial, Comic Sans) at 14 pt or larger, with 1.5 line spacing.
Off-white or pastel background paper/digital backgrounds reduce glare.
Bullet points and short sentences.
Highlight key vocabulary in bold.
Provide audio recordings of texts and instructions.
Use icons/symbols to represent concepts (e.g., sun icon for drought).

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Research recent high-profile drought or wildfire events from around the world. Present causes, effects, and management responses.
Create an action plan for a hypothetical UK town at risk of wildfire or drought, using geographic and scientific data.
Investigate how climate change may increase drought and wildfire risks in the future, linking to global sustainability goals.
Develop role-play scenarios simulating emergency responses for communities affected by these hazards.

Assessment

Formative assessment through partner/group discussions and graphic organisers.
Observation of group work and final presentations/posters for understanding.
Plenary quiz for checking recall and application of key concepts.
Individual reflections recorded to inform future teaching points.

Reflection & Next Steps

Use student feedback and reflection to plan a follow-up lesson on other natural hazards or climate impacts.
Consider inviting local experts or organising virtual field trips to places affected by drought or wildfires for deeper engagement.
Incorporate cross-curricular links with Science (climate, ecosystems) and PSHE (community safety and resilience).

This highly inclusive and engaging lesson framework supports all pupils in meeting the National Curriculum geography objectives for Year 6, whilst building key skills in critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Teaching Instructions