Rivers: Features of erosion and deposition along a river course

**Subject:** Geography **Grade:** 9 **Topic:** Surface Forces that Shape the Earth **Sub-Topic:** Rivers (Features of Erosion and Deposition along a River Course – Waterfalls and Rapids, Gorges and Canyons) **CAPS Reference:** Page 46 **Learning Objectives:** By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to: - Understand the process of river erosion and deposition - Identify and explain the features associated with river erosion and deposition **Duration:** 60 minutes **Materials Needed:** Textbooks, chalkboard/whiteboard, projector, map or diagram of a river showing these features, videos of actual rivers showing these features (if available) **Introduction (15 mins)** Begin with a brief recap of the previous lessons on surface forces that shape the earth. Invite students to share what they remember. Next, introduce the topic of the day, focusing on how rivers shape the landscape through the processes of erosion and deposition. Provide an overview of the unique features formed by these processes. Show a map or diagram of a river, pointing out any waterfalls, rapids, gorges, and canyons. **Development (30 mins)** - **Waterfalls and Rapids:** Explain how waterfalls and rapids are formed as a result of different rates of erosion due to a variety of rock hardness in a riverbed. Discuss notable examples such as the Victoria Falls and the L rapids in the Grand Canyon. - **Gorges and Canyons:** Describe the formation of gorges and canyons as a result of long-term river erosion deep into a landscape. Mention famous examples like the Grand Canyon. During this section of the lesson, incorporate a variety of teaching methods: direct instructions, group discussions, and individual work. Use media such as videos and animations to outline these processes and features. Students can then work on map skills by identifying these features where they occur. **Activity (10 mins)** Create an activity where students need to match images of geographical features to their names and descriptions. This will help them recognize these features in real-life contexts. **Conclusion (5 mins)** Summarize the key points of the lesson: erosion and deposition along a river course change landscapes by creating features such as waterfalls, rapids, gorges, and canyons. Administer a quick formative assessment by asking random students to explain in their own words how one of these features is formed. **Homework** Ask students to find a news article or report about a local river eroding or depositing material that has impacted the surrounding community. They should write a short reflection on this and be prepared to share it in the next class. **Assessment** Learners will be assessed based on their participation in class discussions, performance during in-class activities, and their homework reflection on the local community's impact of river erosion or deposition. This lesson plan follows the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) structure and is designed to promote active, learner-centered instruction, engaging students in the material and supporting them in their learning process. (Note: Always adapt this lesson plan according to the unique needs of your learners.)