Wonders of the World

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Overview

Subject: Geography
Class: Year 5 (Ages 9–10)
Duration: 60 minutes
Curriculum Area: Key Stage 2 – Geography
Focus: Human and physical geography, locational knowledge
Attainment Target: Pupils should be taught to “locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on Europe and North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics.”

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Identify and locate the New Seven Wonders of the World using a world map.
• Describe key human and physical features of each wonder.
• Explain the cultural and geographical significance of a chosen wonder.
• Work collaboratively to present findings through a creative format.

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Resources Needed

• Printed world maps (A3 size) for pairs
• Sticky dots or location markers
• Projector and screen
• Interactive whiteboard
• PowerPoint with visuals of each wonder
• 7 printed “mystery envelopes” (one for each Wonder)
• Fact files and clue cards inside each envelope
• Laptops or tablets (if available) OR printed fact sheets
• Drawing paper, coloured pencils, felt tips and card
• “Passports” (mini booklets for pupils to fill in during the Wonder Hunt)
• Exit tickets (provided at end for plenary)

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity – Wonder-ful Quiz (10 minutes)

Type: Interactive mini-quiz (Whole class)

Purpose: To activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity.

Instructions:

• Display a series of 5 quiz questions on the whiteboard (use visuals).
• Pupils respond using mini whiteboards or answer paddles.
• Encourage participation with a point system ("Wanderlust Winners!").
• Sample Questions:
  1. Which country is home to the ancient city of Petra?
  2. True or False: The Great Wall of China can be seen from space.
  3. Which wonder is a statue of a man with a beard and crown?
  4. What wonder is located in South America and was discovered in 1911?
  5. Which wonder is made of stone and was used as an amphitheatre?

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2. Introduction – The World’s Most Wonder-ful List (10 minutes)

Delivery: Whole-class teaching, PowerPoint + world map

• Explain the concept of the New Seven Wonders of the World and how they were chosen in 2007 through a global poll.
• Briefly contrast with the Ancient Wonders, but emphasise focus is on the New Seven:
  1. Great Wall of China (China)
  2. Petra (Jordan)
  3. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
  4. Machu Picchu (Peru)
  5. Chichen Itza (Mexico)
  6. Roman Colosseum (Italy)
  7. Taj Mahal (India)
• Use a large world map projected on board and interactive pointer to locate each.

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3. Main Activity – The Wonder Hunt (30 minutes)

Task: Group "world passport" challenge – explore, research and present a Wonder.

Group Set-up:

• Pupils in mixed-ability groups of 3-4 (approx. 7 groups).
• Each group receives a different "mystery envelope" containing:
  • A country clue
  • A picture
  • Short reading passage or fact cards
  • Challenge card: three tasks to complete

Tasks Inside Envelopes:

1. Identify your wonder using the clues.
2. Locate and mark your wonder on the world map.
3. Complete your passport page:
   • Name of wonder
   • Location (country + continent)
   • Type: man-made, natural, or both?
   • 3 fascinating facts
   • A sketch of it

Challenge Extension:

• Create an “advert” for a TV travel show (1-minute performance or poster).
• Include one amazing fact and why people should visit.

Teacher circulates to challenge thinking with geography-related questions:

• “What continent are you working with?”
• “What climate might your wonder experience?”
• “What human activity might affect this wonder over time?”

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4. Plenary – Around the World in Seven Minutes (7 minutes)

Activity Type: “Wonder Whiz Parade”

• Each group gives a 60-second highlight presentation of their wonder (poster, dramatic pitch, or visual sketch).
• Encourage use of geographical vocabulary.
• While presenting, other pupils complete their “passport” with a fact from each group.

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5. Exit Ticket – Wonder Reflection (3 minutes)

Pupils complete a small ticket before leaving that answers:

• “Which wonder would you most like to visit and why?”
• “One new fact I learned today…”

Collected by the teacher as they leave – great way to assess engagement and understanding.

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Differentiation & Support

• SEN pupils: Paired with supportive peers; fact cards include symbols/pictures to aid understanding.
• ELL pupils: Bilingual glossaries available; wonders grouped by clarity of visuals.
• Greater Depth: Challenge cards contain higher-level thinking questions: “What would happen if this Wonder were in the UK?” or “How might climate affect it over 100 years?”

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation during the Wonder Hunt activities.
• Quality and accuracy of world map placements.
• Participation in presentations.
• Exit Tickets as plenary assessment.
• Group passports – check for understanding of location, name and significance.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• History: Links with ancient civilisations (Rome, Inca Empire, Mayan culture).
• Art: Sketching architecture and advertisements.
• English: Presenting information clearly and persuasively.
• PSHE: Cultural awareness and global citizenship.

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Post-Lesson Extension Ideas

• Build a mini model of a Wonder as homework project.
• Research the "Natural Wonders of the World" and what makes them different.
• Write a postcard “from” one Wonder describing the sights and sounds.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-lesson)

After the lesson, consider:

• Did pupils show an understanding of global locations and cultural landmarks?
• Were they curious and engaged?
• Were group dynamics effective?
• Were any activities too easy/difficult for the class level?

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This lesson blends geography, culture, creativity and critical thinking—ideal for immersing Year 5 pupils in learning that’s active, age-appropriate and full of global wonder.