Contrasting Locations — Year 2 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Geography KS1 — place knowledge: understand geographical similarities and differences through studying the human and physical geography of a small area of the UK and a contrasting non-European country
Overview
Pupils compare their local area with a contrasting non-European location, examining similarities and differences in human and physical geography. They explore how people live in different environments, consider the relationship between climate and lifestyle, and develop their understanding of global diversity.
Learning Objectives
- Describe key features of a contrasting non-European location.
- Identify similarities and differences between the local area and the contrasting location.
- Use geographical vocabulary to describe human and physical features.
- Locate the contrasting location on a world map.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Show two photographs side by side — the school's local area and a contrasting location (e.g. a Kenyan village, a Brazilian city, or a Japanese town). Ask: what do you notice? What is similar? What is different?
Introduce the contrasting location: locate it on a world map. Share information about: physical features (landscape, climate, rivers, coastline), human features (buildings, transport, land use, jobs), and daily life (food, school, clothing, leisure). Use photographs, short video clips, and simple text. Draw comparisons to the pupils' own local area: 'We have schools — do they?' 'The climate is different — how does this affect what people wear and grow?'
Pupils complete a comparison frame together: two columns (local area / contrasting location) with rows for: climate, landscape, housing, transport, food. Discuss: are any of the differences surprising?
Pupils choose one aspect of the contrasting location (e.g. homes, food, or landscape) and write three sentences comparing it to their own area. Include at least two geographical vocabulary words.
Pupils share one thing they found interesting or surprising about the contrasting location. Discuss: would you like to visit? What questions do you still have? Mark the location on a class world map and add a label.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils sometimes assume that people in other countries have less comfortable lives — the goal is to explore difference, not assume hierarchy.
- Thinking that all of a country is the same — contrast urban and rural areas within the chosen location if possible.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Knowledge of continents and oceans from Year 1.
- Understanding of human and physical features.
- Ability to use basic geographical vocabulary (coast, river, city, village).
Want a personalised version of this lesson?
Use Staffroom to generate a complete lesson plan tailored to your class — add context about ability, recent learning, or specific pupils and get a plan ready to teach. Free trial, no card required.