Exploring the Land of the Midnight Sun: Discovering Norway's Geography

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Exploring the Land of the Midnight Sun: Discovering Norway's Geography

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the physical and human geography of Norway.

Start the lesson by discussing the learning objective with the students. Make sure they understand what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about Norway's geography?

On which continent is Norway?
Which countries are its neighbours and near neighbours?

Introduction

Norway is a country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, fjords, and waterfalls.

Introduce the students to Norway and capture their attention by highlighting some of its remarkable geographical features.

Physical Geography

Norway is primarily characterized by mountains, with more than 300 peaks reaching over 2,000 meters. The country also has an extensive coastline, stretching over 25,000 kilometers.

Discuss the physical geography of Norway, focusing on its mountainous terrain and long coastline.

What is the name of the highest point in Norway?
What height is it?

Fjords

Norway is famous for its fjords, which are long, narrow inlets carved by glaciers. These majestic natural formations attract tourists from all over the world.

Explain what fjords are and emphasize their significance in Norway's geography. Show pictures of stunning fjords to engage the students visually.

Find two facts about fjords?

What is 'Glaciation'?

Forests and Lakes

In addition to mountains and fjords, Norway is also home to vast forests and numerous lakes. Forests cover approximately 37% of the country, providing habitat for various wildlife species.

Talk about the importance of forests and lakes in Norway's geography and ecosystem. Encourage students to think about the benefits of having such natural resources.

What are some of the animals that can be found in Norway?

Climate

Norway experiences a diverse climate due to its elongated shape and the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. The coastal areas have a milder climate, while the inland regions are colder.

Explain the factors that contribute to Norway's climate variations and discuss the impact of the Gulf Stream on the country's weather patterns.

Which areas of Norway have a milder climate?

1. Northern regions
2. Mountainous areas
3. Coastal areas
4. Inland regions

What is the primary characteristic of Norway's geography?

1. Islands
2. Deserts
3. Plains
4. Mountains

How much of Norway is covered by forests?

1. 25%
2. 10%
3. 37%
4. 50%

What are fjords?

1. Deep valleys
2. Tall mountains
3. Long, narrow inlets carved by glaciers
4. Vast forests

What is Norway known for?

1. Fjords
2. Stunning natural landscapes
3. Mountains
4. Beautiful cities

What is the 'Gulf Stream'?

Human Geography

Norway has a population of around 5.4 million people. The majority of the population resides in urban areas.

Shift the focus to human geography and provide an overview of Norway's population and urbanization. Mention Oslo as the capital city.

What is the capital of Norway?
What is the city's population?

Cities and Towns

Apart from Oslo, other notable cities in Norway include Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. These cities offer a blend of modern amenities and historical charm.

Introduce some key cities and towns in Norway, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. Show images of these cities to make the content more engaging.

Economy

Norway has a prosperous economy, largely due to its natural resources, including oil, gas, and hydropower. The country is known for its high standard of living and generous welfare system.

Discuss Norway's economy and the role of natural resources in its prosperity. Mention the country's high standard of living and welfare system to provide context.

Industries

Norway's main industries include oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, fishing, shipping, and tourism. These sectors contribute significantly to the country's economy.

Highlight the main industries in Norway and their importance. Encourage students to think about the relationship between natural resources and industries.

Sami Culture

The Sami people are indigenous to Norway and other Nordic countries. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their reindeer herding traditions.

Introduce the students to the Sami people and their unique culture. Discuss their traditional way of life, including reindeer herding.

Tourism

Norway's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage attract millions of tourists each year. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing are popular.

Discuss the significance of tourism in Norway and the types of activities that attract visitors. Show images of popular tourist destinations to spark interest.

Which indigenous people are known for reindeer herding?

1. Inuit
2. Aboriginal
3. Sami
4. Maori

Which natural resource contributes to Norway's economy?

1. Coal
2. Gold
3. Hydropower
4. Iron ore

What is the population of Norway?

1. 5.4 million
2. 10 million
3. 7 million
4. 3 million

What is the main industry in Norway?

1. Renewable energy
2. Shipping
3. Oil and gas exploration
4. Fishing

Which city is not a notable city in Norway?

1. Helsinki
2. Stavanger
3. Trondheim
4. Bergen

Find two facts about the vikings

Famous Landmarks

Norway is home to several famous landmarks, such as the Geirangerfjord, the Northern Lights, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

Highlight some of Norway's iconic landmarks and attractions, encouraging students to research more about them. Show pictures of these landmarks.

Environmental Conservation

Norway places great importance on environmental conservation. The country has implemented policies to protect its natural landscapes and promote sustainable practices.

Discuss Norway's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Ask students to think about the benefits of preserving natural resources.

What does Norway prioritize in terms of conservation?

1. Sustainable practices
2. Historical preservation
3. Environmental conservation
4. Natural landscapes

Which famous landmark is known for its stunning fjord?

1. Northern Lights
2. Viking Ship Museum
3. Geirangerfjord
4. Holmenkollen Ski Jump

What are some popular outdoor activities in Norway?

1. Fishing
2. Hiking
3. Skiing
4. Cycling

Review

Recap the main points covered in the lesson, including Norway's physical geography, human geography, main cities, economy, indigenous culture, and tourism.

Summarize the key concepts and information discussed throughout the lesson. Encourage students to ask questions and clarify any doubts.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have gained a deeper understanding of Norway's geography. Remember to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world's landscapes.

End the lesson on a positive note, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and preserving the natural wonders of the world.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.