Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Geography
Lesson Topic: 2.2 Rivers: Explain processes and landforms associated with river erosion and deposition.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main river erosion processes (hydraulic action, abrasion, solution, attrition) and the landforms they produce.
  • Explain how changes in river velocity, gradient and channel width lead to deposition and the formation of characteristic landforms.
  • Apply the stream‑power equation to predict whether a river segment will erode or deposit material.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint/slide deck with river diagrams
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout worksheet with summary table and exam‑style questions
  • Physical model of a river cross‑section (optional)
  • Laptop with interactive river‑erosion simulation
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a dramatic V‑shaped valley and ask students what forces might have created it. Recall previous learning on weathering and the water cycle, linking these to river activity. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify key erosion and deposition processes and the landforms they produce.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on weathering and the water cycle to activate prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present and label the five erosion processes and key deposition situations using diagrams.
  3. Interactive simulation (10') – Students adjust flow speed, gradient and channel width on a laptop app to observe resulting landforms.
  4. Group worksheet activity (15') – Using the summary table, match each process to its typical landform and complete short answer questions.
  5. Case‑study discussion (10') – Examine a real river (e.g., the Nile) and identify examples of erosion and deposition features.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: one sentence explaining how a decrease in gradient influences deposition.
Conclusion:
Recap the main erosion and deposition processes and the landforms they create, highlighting the role of stream power. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: create a labelled sketch of a river profile showing at least three erosion and three deposition landforms.