Glaciology assessment mats

These free glaciology assessment mats from Discover the World Education are intended mainly for GCSE students, but they could also be useful for stretching G&T learners or as a foundation for students in their first year of A-level.

The zipped folder includes three mats, covering the following topics:

• glacial landscapes and features
• glacial processes
• a glaciation case study (based on the Sólheimajökull case study).

Each mat features a central image surrounded by exam-style questions that include a range command words, providing practice with the different question types in the exam. The questions progress in difficulty, from closed to open questions and from command words that require simple thinking to those that demand higher thinking. They are aimed at mid-ability to high-ability students and assess their recall of factual information, interpretation of a source image, explanation of theory and application of knowledge.

Sample answers are provided, modelled on what could be expected in a GCSE exam, along with a QR code linking to further information about the case study, the use of key words and helpful videos.

This revision resource is relevant to the physical geography paper of any exam board that includes a focus on climate change, glaciated landscapes and/or cold environments.

It could be used for homework or for an in-class assessment of around 25 minutes. Students could mark each other’s work using the model answers, or they could try to identify why these answers would get good marks and what makes them successful.