Uncovering Ukraine: Exploring the Unusual and Obscure

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Uncovering Ukraine: Exploring the geography of the country

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the physical and human geography of Ukraine, focusing on unusual and obscure facts.

What do you already know about the physical and human geography of Ukraine?

Slide 1: Introduction

Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe. It has a rich history and diverse geography. Let's delve into some fascinating and lesser-known facts about Ukraine!

Which oblast does your family come from?

Which countries are Ukraine's near neighbours?

Slide 2: Largest Country in Europe

Did you know that Ukraine is the largest country entirely in Europe? Its land area is approximately 603,550 square kilometers.

Physical geography of Ukraine

Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains stretch across Ukraine, offering breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

What is the name and the height of the highest point in Ukraine?

Where are the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine?

North

East

South

West

West!

The Carpathian Mountains are also in which countries?

Homework

Make a video of you playing an instrument or singing.

Send it to Margo!

10 house points!

Dnieper River

The Dnieper River is the longest river in Ukraine and the fourth-longest river in Europe. It flows through major cities like Kiev and provides important water resources.

What are the five longest rivers in Europe?

Europe's longest rivers

Volga River – 2,194 miles (3,531 km)

Danube River – 1,777 miles (2,850 km)

Ural River – 1,509 miles (2,428 km)

Dnieper River – 1,367 miles (2,200 km)

Don River – 1,162 miles (1,870 km)

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, resulting from the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster, covers an area of approximately 2,600 square kilometers. It has become an eerie tourist attraction in recent years.

Chernobyl tourism

Pysanka Museum

The Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia houses an impressive collection of intricately decorated Easter eggs known as pysanky. It showcases the Ukrainian tradition of egg painting.

Have you been to the Pysanka Museum?

Yes

No

Homework

Egg painting competition!

Send a photo or video to Margo!

10 house points!

Olesia

Homework

Make a short video of you dancing like this!

Send it to Margo.

10 house points!

Crimea Peninsula

Crimea is a peninsula located on the northern coast of the Black Sea. It was part of Ukraine until 2014 when it was annexed by Russia.

Tunnel of Love

The Tunnel of Love is a unique and romantic railway track covered by lush greenery near Klevan, Ukraine. It has become a popular spot for couples and photographers.

What are the origins of Ukraine's "Tunnel of love"?

Unique Wildlife

Ukraine is home to diverse wildlife, including the European bison, known as the wisent. It is the heaviest land animal in Europe and a symbol of conservation efforts.

The Odessa Catacombs

The Odessa Catacombs are an extensive network of underground tunnels and chambers, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers. They have historical and cultural significance.

Have you been to the Odessa Catacombs?

Yes

No

Land of Sunflowers

Ukraine is often referred to as the 'Land of Sunflowers' due to its significant cultivation of sunflower crops. It is one of the world's largest producers of sunflower oil.

Lavra Monastery Complex

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a historic Orthodox Christian monastery complex in Kiev. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, underground caves, and religious significance.

Human-made Lake Synevyr

Lake Synevyr, located in the Carpathian Mountains, is the largest human-made lake in Ukraine. It was created in 1986 for hydroelectric purposes.

Lost City of Prypiat

Prypiat was a once-thriving city near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. It was evacuated after the disaster and remains abandoned, frozen in time.

Which is your favourite?

Salo and garlic

Kovbasa

Varenyky

Kholodets

None of them!

Homework

Make your favourite Ukrainian food!

Send a video to Margo.

10 house points!

Slide 16: Recap and Conclusion

Today, we explored the physical and human geography of Ukraine through unusual and obscure facts. We hope you gained a deeper appreciation for this fascinating country!

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.