Theme 2: The Natural Environment
Topic 2.2: Rivers (Hydrological cycle)
Objective:
Define and describe key To identify and describe
hydrological cycle (water drainage basin
cycle)
What is hydrological cycle (water cycle)
→ A continuous circulation of water in the Earth-Atmosphere system.
→ The hydrological cycle is a closed system
→ Water is constantly recycled through the system
→ Within the hydrological cycle, the water consistently stored and transferred
(flows)
Key processes that involve in hydrological cycle
→ Precipitation
→ Condensation
→ Transpiration
→ Evaporation
Evaporation
-
Precipitation – A form of water (snow or
rain)reaching the ground
Transpiration -
Process where
plants absorb
water through the
roots and then
give off water
vapor through
pores in their
leaves
Condensation -
Task 1: Draw a 2D model
of hydrological cycle
1. Draw a simple
diagram of
hydrological cycle
2. Incorporate 4 main
key processes
3. Draw arrow of
direction and label
these processes
Other processes of hydrological cycle
→ Infiltration - When water moves down from the surface into the soil
→ Percolation - The transfer of water down into rocks and aquifers
→ Surface overflow / runoff - Any water flowing across the Earth's surface
→ Vegetation Interception
Based on the definition provided, include these processes in your drawing of
hydrological cycle. Form one simple sequence of hydrological cycle.
Task 2
1. Observe the
diagram / picture that
you have drawn.
2. Identify which process
of the cycle in which
water is:
→ Store
→ Transfer (Flow)
3. Use red pen for stores
and blue pen for transfer.
Check your
diagram
HOTS Question (Homework)
1. How does urbanization (e.g., the construction of cities and roads) impact the
processes of infiltration and surface runoff in the hydrological cycle?
2. What effect does deforestation have on evaporation, transpiration, and
precipitation in the hydrological cycle, and how might this lead to changes
in river flow?
3. How can the construction of dams and reservoirs alter the natural flow of
rivers and the balance of the hydrological cycle in a drainage basin?
Exit Ticket
1. Reflect two things you learned about hydrological cycle.
2. Write one question you still have about rivers or the water cycle.
Theme 2: The Natural Environment
Topic 2.2: Rivers (Drainage Basin)
What is drainage basin?
Area that collects and
drains water into a
specific river, stream,
or body of water
Key Features/Components of Drainage Basin
→ Source
→ Watershed
→ Tributary
→ Confluence
→ Mouth
Group Task: Presentation on Formation of Rivers
Instructions:
Using textbooks and discussions, each group should research and prepare a
presentation that includes:
1. The formation of a river (Where do rivers start? What is a drainage basin?)
2. The three stages of a river (Upper, Middle, and Lower Course)
3. Processes involved (Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition)
4. Key landforms created by rivers (e.g., waterfalls, meanders, oxbow lakes,
floodplains, deltas)
Groups must include one visual elements in their presentation.
Each group will present their findings to the class. The explanation should be clear
and engaging.
Task: Building a Drainage Basin Miniature Model
Objective: Create a 3D model of a drainage basin using plasticine,
demonstrating key features and understanding how water flows through the
system.
Instruction:
1. Create the High Ground and Watershed (Plasticine)
2. Add River Features
3. Label Key Features (Using coloured thumbtacks)
4. Mini Gallery Walk (Observe and comment on your friends’ model)
Hazards and Opportunities of rivers
- Reference pg 86-90
→ Pair up and observe the pictures.
→ Share your ideas with the class (Write on sticky notes)
“Hazard or Opportunity?” Quickfire Quiz
1. A hydroelectric dam is built on a river, generating electricity for
nearby cities.
2. A major flood washes away farmland and homes.
3. A river delta forms, creating fertile land for agriculture.
4. Pollution from factories flows into a river, killing fish and harming
local communities.
5. A river is used for transportation, allowing goods to be easily traded.
6. Tourists visit the river for rafting and fishing, boosting the local
economy.
7. A river provides drinking water and irrigation for local farmers.
8. Increased deforestation near a river causes soil erosion and worsens
flooding.
“Spin the Wheel”
1. Pick one category.
2. Form short one paragraph essay to explain the hazard or opportunities of
the river based on the category they are assigned with.
3. Share your essay by reading it to the whole class.
[Link]
Case Study: The Elbe River
1. In a group of 4 people, each member will be assigned into one task.
2. Utilize the textbook for your main reference. (Page 90)
3. Compile your answer and submit it by the end of the class.
“Spin the Wheel”
1. Each pairs will be assigned into one category.
2. Form short one paragraph essay to explain the hazard or opportunities of
the river based on the category they are assigned with.
3. Share your essay by reading it to the whole class.
[Link]