AQA GCSE Geography lesson for Unit 1B: In this first lesson of the Cold Environments section we look at the physical characteristics of polar and tundra climates.

There is a retrieval practice starter. We begin by looking at the climate, soils, plants and animals of the tundra and polar climates. The students have the outlines of two mind maps to create using the information provided on information slides. We then look at permafrost and the students create an annotated diagram of a soil profile with the various layers together with details of their characteristics. We then look at the climate of the tundra in more detail and the students have the outline of a climate graph to complete using data from the table. We then look at the concept of interdependence and the students annotate the diagram to show the interelationships between the biotic and abiotic components.

We finish with 4-mark GCSE-style question based on the content of the lesson and the students have some tips and guidance on how to answer it if required. They also have a writing frame.

Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.

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