Lesson Plan

• Describe the key characteristics of rural and urban settlements.
• Identify and compare the four main settlement patterns (linear, radial, cluster, dispersed).
• Explain the primary functions of settlements, including economic, social, political, cultural and service provision.
• Analyse how settlement size and pattern influence the availability of services.
• Apply knowledge to case‑study examples to illustrate differences in service provision.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides summarising patterns and functions
• World/UK map (digital or printed)
• Worksheet with blank maps for pattern labelling
• Case‑study handouts (Thames Valley, Paris, Greater London, Rural Scotland)
• Markers, chart paper, and calculators

Begin with a striking aerial photo of a densely packed city contrasted with a sparsely populated countryside to spark curiosity. Ask students what factors they think determine where people live and what services are available. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe settlement patterns, their functions, and how these affect service provision.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students label settlement patterns on a blank map worksheet.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define rural vs. urban settlements and introduce the four pattern types with examples.
3. Group activity (15’) – Analyse case‑study cards; each group matches the pattern, identifies key functions and services, and records findings on chart paper.
4. Guided practice (10’) – Calculate population density for a given area and discuss whether it classifies as urban or rural.
5. Whole‑class discussion (10’) – Compare how different patterns influence economic, social, political, cultural, and service functions.
6. Quick check (5’) – Exit ticket: one sentence explaining how a settlement’s pattern affects its service provision.

Recap the four settlement patterns and their associated functions, highlighting the link between pattern and service availability. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and address any misconceptions. For homework, assign a short research task: students find a local settlement, identify its pattern, and list the main services it provides.