These activities are based on the article ‘Epic Facts About The Grand Canyon’ in issue twenty-three of Animal Planet magazine. There are opportunities to develop comprehension and writing skills using the resources provided.
Pupils will learn about this amazing canyon, investigating where it is and how it was formed. They will read an interesting article full of facts about the Grand Canyon, which will leave them asking questions and keen to find out more.
After reading the text, pupils will complete tasks linked to the geography curriculum, locating the canyon using maps looking at the physical geography of this area of North America. Pupils will then use their knowledge of the Grand Canyon to create a tourist information leaflet, explaining the geographical features that visitors will see when visiting the area.
The resources could be used over a series of lessons in geography and English to create an inspiring resource for pupils in Key Stage 2.
Teachers’ notes are included, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.
What is included in this KS2 resources pack?
- Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘Epic Facts About The Grand Canyon’
- Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
- Maps of North America
- Grand Canyon images
- How was the Grand Canyon formed? worksheet
- Planning sheet – persuasive text
- How to write a persuasive text poster (version 1 LKS2; version 2 UKS2)
- Themed writing paper
What is Animal Planet magazine?
This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page.
To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit the Animal Planet magazine website.
National Curriculum Programme of Study Links
Reading
Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of … non-fiction
Pupils should understand what they read by
-checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context.
- asking questions to improve their understanding of the text.
Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.
Writing
Pupils should plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (years 5 and 6 also by drawing on research where necessary)
Geography
Locational Knowledge
Pupils should be taught to locate the world's countries, using maps to focus on ... North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries and major cities
Geographical skills and fieldwork
Pupils should be taught to use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and locate features studied.