What are the main features of a river? - Teacher notes

The educational unit on rivers aims to guide pupils through the process of crafting a river basin model, beginning at the river's source. Through this hands-on project, students will become acquainted with the primary features of a river. Key terms such as 'tributary', 'source', 'waterfall', 'meander', 'mouth', 'delta', and 'stream' will not only be introduced but also utilized as labels within their models to help cement their understanding of each component's role in the river system. This interactive approach is designed to enable students to visualise and comprehend the structure and function of a river's journey from its origin to its end.

In addition to constructing the model, pupils will explore the dynamic processes of erosion and deposition that rivers undergo. To enhance their grasp of these concepts, they will conduct a small-scale experiment that demonstrates how rivers shape the landscape through the transport and deposition of materials. This practical investigation will serve as a foundation for pupils to articulate their insights into how erosion and deposition contribute to the ever-changing nature of river landscapes. By engaging with these activities, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the natural forces at work in river systems and the geological features that emerge as a result.