KS5 Geography – deserts: Plants and the future

Overview

Desertification, climate change and loss of biodiversity were identified as some of the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the Rio Summit in 1992; what has changed since then? 

Where are the deserts and drylands in the world, why are they important and how and why have they changed over time?

Pupils will take on the roles of Kew scientists working to understand and combat these issues and will assess global desertification and analyse real-life management strategies for the future.

Learning outcomes

Pupils will be able to:

• understand the characteristics of deserts and drylands and their distribution across the globe
• assess the extent to which human activity has caused change within dryland landscape systems
• describe the impacts of desertification on people and the environment
• evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies for a desert or dryland ecosystem

We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.

Keywords

Desert, dryland, aridity, climate, vegetation, climate change, human impact, desertification, erosion, degradation, food security, adaptations 

Skills

Geographical information skills

Understand the nature of and use different types of geographical information, including:

• qualitative and quantitative research
• images, maps, diagrams and graphical representations
• factual text and discursive/creative material
• numerical and spatial data

Qualitative skills and quantitative skills

• interpret, analyse and evaluate a range of source material including textual and visual sources

Curriculum links