Lilleshall Primary School
Working Together for Excellence and Enjoyment
Planet Earth
Focus for this week: Flooding
What is a flood?
A flood is an overflow of water that covers land that is usually dry. Some floods develop slowly, while others, such as flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without any signs of rain. Floods can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins.
What causes flooding?
Flooding is usually caused by heavy rain; the faster the rainwater reaches the river channel, the more likely it is to flood.The following factors may encourage flooding:
A steep-sided channel - a river channel surrounded by steep slopes causes fast surface run off (water that the soil is unable to absorb).
A lack of vegetation - trees and plants catch or drink water. If there is little vegetation, then excess water will be high.
Bad weather - Flooding is normally caused by natural weather events such as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over a short period.
BBC Bitesize
Visit BBC Bitesize to find out about the following:
What causes a flood?
Different types of flooding
What people can do to protect against floods
Question Time
Fact File
Can you create a fact file about the flooding in Ironbridge and Shrewsbury in February? What caused the flood? How high did water levels rise? How much damage was caused? What measures were put in place to protect the people of Shrewsbury and Ironbridge and their homes? How long did the flooding last? What impact did it have? Remember to include sub-headings and illustrations or photographs.
Design a flood information homepage
Research the impact of flooding on communities and design your own website homepage. This can be completed on a device or in your book.
D&T - Create a flood barrier
A flood barrier is something that is designed to keep flood waters out of a certain area. Flood barriers can be used to protect homes and buildings. Can you design and create your own flood barriers that would protect your house?
Survival Kit
Draw and label the items you would put in an evacuation survival kit if you needed to leave home after a natural disaster. Why have you chosen these items? Can you justify your choices?