Year 8 Geography
READING TASKS
Prisoners of Geography - Childrens Edition by Tim Marshall
How did the USA become a superpower? Why do people go to war? And why are some countries rich while others are so poor?
Find the answers to these questions and many more in this eye-opening book, which uses maps to explain how geography has shaped the history of our world.
Where on Earth? Geography without the Boring Bits by James Doyle
This book is Jam-packed with all of geography's greatest hits, with all the boring bits taken out. From lava-spewing volcanoes to cool ways to remember the world's highest mountains, longest rivers and most desolate deserts - plus all the countries and continents in which these fantastic features are found.
We are displaced: My journey by Malala Yousafzai
Nobel Peace Prize winner and bestselling author Malala Yousafzai introduces some of the faces behind the statistics and news stories we read or hear every day about the millions of people displaced worldwide. Malala not only explores her own story of adjusting to a new life while longing for home, but she also shares the personal stories of some of the incredible girls she has met on her various journeys - girls who have lost their community, relatives, and often the only world they've ever known.
The boy who biked the world – Pt. 1: On the road to Africa by Alastair Humphreys
The first part of The Boy Who Biked the World follows Tom leaving England, cycling through Europe and all the way through Africa to the tip of South Africa. Along the way, young readers are introduced not only to the various fascinating landscapes he passes through, but also to the various people who so happily embrace him as he travelled on his journey.
National Geographic
The National Geographic is a magazine and website that is committed to exploring, illuminating, and protecting the wonder of our world.
WRITING TASKS
Africa and its Nations
Write an argument about why it is important to not consider Africa as one country. Reference the colonial past, and the diversity of different African nations in your answer.
Deforestation & our Future
Write an argument about why it is important to manage deforestation in the future. What is at stake? How might it be achieved? Link it to the key geographical concept of sustainability.
Literature Review
Write a review of one of the books (or a single chapter) you have read from the Geography reading list.
How does it link to your learning in class?
How has it enhanced your understanding of geographical issues?
Challenges Ahead
Write a short essay on the biggest challenges than need to be overcome in the one of your case study regions (Africa, Middle East, Japan) in the next ten years. Make sure you justify your answer, and consider different issues.
LISTENING TASKS
Poverty in Africa - Podcast
Listen to the audio series on Poverty in Africa, looking at the relationship with colonial powers and their exploitation of the continents.
Cities and Migration - Podcast
Listen to the BBC podcast on 'Cities and Migration'
Saving Rainforests - Podcast
Listen to the BBC Sounds Podcast 'Saving Borneo's Rainforests' to enhance your understanding of the issue of illegal logging.
Japan: New ways to grow old – Podcast
Listen to the BBC Sounds Podcast ‘Japan: New ways to grow old’ to find out more about the fastest-ageing society in the world and their surprising and innovative ideas for living better in old age.
WATCHING TASKS
Our Planet
Watch the 'Our Planet' docu-series narrated by David Attenborough on Netflix. this explores the impacts of climate change on different ecosystems around the world, an examines the concept of 'tipping points'.
Sacred Rivers with Simon Reeve – Episode 1 The Nile
Watch ‘Sacred Rivers with Simon Reeve’ on BBC iplayer. Follow his journey from the source to sea along the world’s longest river, the Nile. The life-giving river has forged some of our earliest civilisations and influenced some of our greatest religions. But with populations along its banks rising fast, Nile countries are demanding an ever-greater share of the sacred waters, threatening the stability of the entire region.
Africa
Watch ‘Africa’ a 7-part series on BBC iPlayer. David Attenborough takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through one of the most diverse places in the world. We visit deserts, savannas, and jungles.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – Film
Watch ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ on Netflix. Inspired by a science book, 13-year-old William Kamkwamba builds a wind turbine to save his Malawian village from famine. Based on a true story.
RESEARCH TASKS
Africa and its Nations
Research why it is important to view Africa not as one country, but as a series of diverse and different nations.
Rainforests
Research the threats to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Are they similar in nature to the ones you have studied in class?
Water scarcity in the Middle East
Research how different countries in the Middle East are trying to address the challenge of water scarcity. How sustainable are these strategies?
TRIPS AND VISITS
Museum of London
Visit the Museum of London to explore the opportunities it provides as a 'World City'
Science Museum
Visit the Science Museum and go to the 'Atmosphere' exhibits. In 2025, new exhibits on food sustainability and green energy have opened.
Why Not? While you there check out the exhibitions that cover Science & Maths too.
Natural History Museum
Visit the Natural History Museum, and perhaps visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. This would provide a great insight into the interrelationships between the human and physical worlds.
CREATIVE TASKS
Desert Island
Using map elements, like symbols and a key, to show different features of the desert island.
Poster Challenge
Produce a A3 case study poster outlining all you have learnt about the geography on Africa, Japan or the Middle East in your case study units.
Plan a Tour
Imagine you are a tour guide planning a month-long tour around one of our case study locations (Africa, Japan, the Middle East). Using the internet, guidebooks and information from your geography lessons, plan a route working out which landmarks and places you would visit. Include which activities you would like to do in each location.
Describe a biome through your senses
Imagine you are sitting on the floor of a biome (e.g. desert, rainforest), describe what you can see, here, feel and smell.