This Geography scheme of work video introduces pupils to minerals — natural materials found in the Earth’s crust that we use every day. Pupils learn that minerals can be metallic, like gold, copper and aluminium, or non-metallic, like clay and quartz.

The video explains how minerals are used in everyday objects, from jewellery and wires to bricks and computer chips. Pupils explore where minerals come from and how they are removed from the ground through processes called mining and quarrying.

Pupils also begin to understand how using minerals can help people, such as by providing materials and jobs, but can also cause harm to the environment through deforestation, pollution and waste. They are encouraged to think about the choices we make and how we can use resources responsibly.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Geography – Natural resources and sustainability materials, helping pupils build knowledge of the Earth’s materials and their importance in everyday life.

See more of our Year 5 and Year 6 Geography scheme of work.

• Geography, Year 5, Would you like to live in the desert?,Lesson 4: How can people use deserts?
• Geography, Year 6, Where does our energy come from?, Lesson 1: Why is energy important?
• Geography, Year 6, Where does our energy come from?, Lesson 3: How does the United States generate energy?
• Geography, Year 6, Where does our energy come from, Lesson 4: How does the United Kingdom generate energy?