This would be good for kids to use as this is an atlas that they can zoom in and out of and very simple to use. For key stage 1, it allows them to see continents and oceans and what location they are to each other. Further, it allows them to see what countries are in each continent. They could have a blank paper global map to label with continents, oceans and countries.

chloe isom

Ellie Mort Set 02

I think this website is really engaging and easy to navigate for children. There is lots of use of colour and photos. There are lots of resources about World Geography and specific countries which link well to KS1 aim of understand the world, countries and continents. There is lots of choice here too. This could also be linked to the children being able to identify landmarks from marks and then relate them to the specific country.

There is lots of content about the weather which I think could be linked to KS2 but I think it would be beneficial to focus more on relating this to maps. Although, there is so much great content on this website, when we are reaching KS2 we also need to be showing the children the globe, showing them physical maps and even how to sketch a basic map. Therefore, I think the website could be used as an aid/starting point for more practical, hands on learning.

The website has different pages for KS1 and KS2 and the year groups, which lets children see age appropriate content and wording. The site is engaging and easy to navigate and each subsection explains what the topic is (eg maps) in good detail, provides a video for children to visually see how maps are used, provides mini games to see the different icons on maps and what they mean. Children can then go onto the world map page and use their knowledge of maps to navigate around the world.

The site supports an inquiry based approach as it provides an activity for children to create their own maps to deepen their understanding of how they work.

Megan set 2

Katie Latham (Set 2).

GeoGuessr - Let's explore the world!

• Links with NC Geography

Locational knowledge: name and locate the world’s seven continents and five oceans

Geographical skills and fieldwork: use world maps, atlases and globes to identify the United Kingdom and its countries, as well as the countries, continents and oceans studied at this key stage

Geographical skills and fieldwork: recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features

• Appropriateness for use by pupils

Engaging for pupils as it has a username and bitmoji which is like gaming used by children at home

Aesthetically appealing to children through images and colour

Categorised for use such as moving around the world, completing quizzes and puzzles

Games and activities can be arranged by the teacher to limit content access

• Navigability

Big font with clear headings and instructions on the task chosen

Games and activities can be arranged by the teacher to limit content access

• Degree to which web site could be used to support an enquiry - based approach

Collecting information: can look at features or local / national landmarks and obtain information at KS1/2 in a paired or group activity and then collate this in whatever resource e.g. posters, verbal presentation etc.

Faye Burleigh (Set 2)

BBC Bitesize's map skills resources on reading contours, keys, and symbols provide clear and suitable content for primary students. The step-by-step guides scaffold complex concepts like topographic representation and map interpretation, while not exceeding the National Curriculum's requirements for geography. The information is provided in a wide range of ways, for example pictures, videos, and text. The video also has a transcript option to help with inclusion. These features mean everyone can grasp key concepts such as physical geography and map reading, which are emphasized in KS1 and KS2 learning outcomes, no matter how they learn best. The page even has a test at the end to make sure that the user has fully understood the information provided and showing where more work could be done. However, further reinforcement through hands-on practice is beneficial such as a game or interactive resources.

Google maps can be helpful for children in KS1 and KS2 to understand maps as it is easy to navigate and easy to understand. As well as this children can start to gain perspective with the distance between places, and the different direction taken to get somewhere. Within google maps you can look at different views, such as street view and Ariel view, as well as just a digitised version of the roads. Google maps also pinpoints key locations, which you may come across, such as, churches, shops, schools and monuments. I think google maps would be an easy to understand introduction to maps, before moving children on to different websites such as ordnance survey and digimaps.

The ordinance survey mapzone section is a good resource for children because it is easy to navigate with bright colours. It is designed specifically for children so would be appropriate for use in lessons. There are also a range of quizzes and games that would make the learning more interesting for children. Both the KS1 curriculum and the KS2 curriculum mention the use of compass points and the KS2 curriculum mentions using ordinance survey maps. The fact sections can help the children to research and would support an enquiry. 

• Links with NC geography

BBC bitesize offers specific information and games to test understanding. The layout of the website supports children without getting that overwhelming feeling of looking for what they need. The different tabs offer a range of directional language to show children how to describe a location and features of routes on maps

• Appropriateness for use by pupils

BBC bitesize is a beneficial website for key stage 1 and key stage 2 when learning about mapping and locational knowledge. There is filter tabs to pin exact year groups so the information is age appropriate, and students will not get confused looking at different information.

• Navigability

The website is easy to navigate through as the tabs and filters are age appropriate, children are able to visually see what each tab contains through images on each tab, and the information is provided along with animated pictures and videos, so it shows the children the information in context which supports their understanding.

• Degree to which web site can be used to support an enquiry-based approach

It maps key resources, how to count contours, keys and symbols and provides children with clear and suitable content for their learning. The website is not overwhelming as there is not a reel of information for children to go through and everything is easily accessible with games to test understanding so its in a fun way rather than a quiz.

Links to Geography Curriculum:

• Can use geographical skills to map read and navigate around the zoo 

• Encouraged locational knowledge by discussing where the animals are from 

Appropriateness: 

• The website is appropriate for pupils to use as it is child friendly and a wholesome website that pupils would like to explore 

• The buttons are big and font is easy to read 

• The use of colourful animals to entertain to children and draw them in 

Navigational Ability:

• The website is easy to navigate and find your way around 

• The children would enjoy exploring the different layers of the website 

Summary: 

Overall, the chester zoo website is appropriate for children to use and the easy navigational ability of the website combined with an enticing interesting array of animal pictures will keep the children engaged 

There are many links to KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum including further knowledge and information around each topic that is easy to navigate for the children. Exploring the world, explore the UK, Weather and seasons and fieldwork. The website gives clear and signposted headings of each area and also sub-headings.

It can give children the basics, they can then use and further develop their own understanding from here. It is good for enquiry as they are able to do their own research into the topic they are talking about.

Amanda Davies

This tab includes information about the 7 continents and also includes a video for the children to watch.

Chloe Jenkins

Victoria Roscoe Set 1

It is appropriate for pupils as they can locate the continents, oceans, countries and captial cities. You are also able to identify geographical similarities and differences with the United Kingdom and a contrasting area.

The website is easy to navigate from the menu bar with everything you need to know and explained well. There are also lots of resources for teaching.

The website can be used to make enquirys about the United Kingdom and a contrasting area.

Google maps is very easy to use and it has many features. It can be used in street view if students want to zoom in on a certain area/street but it also allows students to view areas from a birds eye view (this can be viewed in different settings e.g. satellite view).

This website also shows students different key land marks, for example shops, restaurants and churches. Google maps is also available on a variety of devices, not just PC's so it is easily accessible for everyone. If the students are trying to analyse the landmarks in rural areas vs in the city, Google Maps would be a great too to support their enquiry. Amelia Wilcox PGCE Primary Set 2

It has many links to the NC as it has area specific to supporting for the national curriculum with tops falling under - location knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork.

The website is very child friendly therefore easy to navigate, however they would need their schools log in.

When completing an enquiry, this website would help the children feel confident in the basis of their understanding in the topic and then use the clarification they got from this website to expand and look at further online resources.

Shane Christian

1. Connection to understanding the oceans, and the ecological differences between the oceans.

2. Physical geography: as well as understanding the ecology of the ocean, children can also learn about the climates that are surrounded by the oceans, and their climatic differences.

3. This website includes information and games that help children learn the names, and qualities of different species living in the oceans.

4. The website also includes some games where children pretend to be pirates navigating the oceans, using maps and compasses. Children can learn about the geography of countries, the equator, compass navigation, and the location of the different oceans.

The site can be used appropriately for kids by ensuring that a school account is used so that the childrens details are not brought into the equation.

Key stage 1 - Locational and place knowledge, weather/seasons and fieldwork.

Key stage 2 - skills and fieldwork, mapping, time zones, latitude/longitude and locational and place knowledge.

Appropriateness for use by pupils:

This website is child friendly with interactive tiles based on each topic area. It has colourful pictures and uses appropriate vocabulary.

Navigability:

The website is separated into each key stage so children can easily be directed to which page they should be using. Within each key stage page the tiles are laid out clearly under each topic area.

Enquiry-based approach:

This website supports an enquiry-based approach. For example, if looking at cities in the UK as part of key stage 2. Children can easily access facts, videos and maps related to this topic in order to gather their information.

I can see its use for as an introduction to the subject in a child-safe ICT zone, it provides all the relevant information. However I don't feel it promotes further curiosity or enquiry, nor does it supports any deeper understanding.

Links with NC geography –

·      I think BBC bitesize is a great source for children to use, it links with the National Curriculum by providing resources that cover key topics required in the different year groups.

Appropriateness for use by pupils –

·      The website offers fun and engaging tasks for children including pictures, videos, quizzes, games and case studies which can help children develop their geographical skills in line with the curriculum’s expectations.

·      It can be filtered to their specific age ranges allowing the information to be suitable for them specifically.

Navigability

·      Clear instructions and tabs so it is easy for all children in the years to access whatever it is they need to find.

Degree which website can be used to support an enquiry-based approach –

·      Offers materials that connect different subjects, which allows children to explore topics from multiple perspectives.

·      Many subjects include interactive tasks that encourage exploration and application of knowledge.

·      Includes real-world contexts that help children see the relevance of their inquiries, making learning more meaningful.

In the fieldwork section on BBC bitesize, they have some wonderful resources and video clips which are interactive, fun, and engaging for children. Additionally, they are very easy for children to navigate around. Furthermore, you can choose KS1 or KS2 or even individual year groups so it’s easy for the children to find or yourself to find and the content should be relevant to that year group.

Things such as how to follow a map, map reading tips and activities such as drawing your own map all link to elements of the National Curriculum for Geography regarding mapping.

I would say BBC bitesize really encourages an enquiry-based approach to learning by allowing the children to interact and create their own maps in the activities section and therefore support and deepen their own understanding of maps.

It links with the National Curriculum as children can deepen their understanding and knowledge of locations through the use of collecting data in terms of maps. It is also teaching them what a map is but how it can be used as well. Not only that but they are also using geographical sources to strengthen their skills.

The website can be used to support an enquiry based approach by looking at a how to use maps and then creating your own using the guidance provided.

I think that this website would be an effective resource for children's learning of geography for a host of reasons. Firstly, it's highly appealing to children due to its layout and presentation (colourful, fun etc.). It also includes images of areas and flags throughout to give children a visual representation of information. In terms of its relevance to the National Curriculum, Ducksters gives children the chance to explore every continent, country, and region across the world, while also demonstrating human processes and the diversity of places and people. It also delivers its information in a variety of ways; more challenging paragraphs for older children and simpler bullet point facts for younger children. Furthermore, children would easily be able to discover specific facts for an enquiry with the website's search bar, and most of its icons, when pressed, provide further sub-icons. This allows children to delve deeper into specific areas of geography.

                  The website is highly appropriate for pupil use due to its simple nature. The menu is easy to read and helps pupils navigate the website effectively meaning that time is not wasted getting familiar with the website; students can use the website almost immediately to facilitate their learning. The fact that it is easy to navigate means that there are limited barriers to accessing the resources the website provides.

                  Digimaps supports an enquiry-based approach as pupils can utilise it to navigate the United Kingdom and non-European areas. This could be useful as a resource to look at the geographical similarities and differences of different areas. Pupils are able to investigate further by comparison in an accessible way which aids them in the development of their own personal geographies whilst developing knowledge about contrasting areas in the world.  

There is also a guided reading section of the site which has fun and accessible articles on different global topics such as on saving the amazon or taking a tour to the rocky mountains. The articles are presented well and they are in the form of a newspaper, "The Oddizzi Times" which is exciting for the pupils to read.

The site covers a wide range of the NC with the guided reading and virtual tours features and also has a daily challenge section which includes interactive games/competitions such as "map Mondays" which teaches mapping skills and "topic Tuesdays" which cover different geography topics with an enquiry-based approach. The interactive map on the page is easy and interesting for the pupils to use and lets them choose their own geographical features to look at, including: physical/human features, weather and climate.