Liz Bonnin introduces a clip which examines the coastal features of a spit, backwash and longshore drift.
Katie Knapman defines the coastal feature of a 'spit' before visiting Spurn Head to examine the impact of shifting sands.
The clip shows a spit as a dynamic landscape that is constantly changing due to longshore drift and the effect of backwash. It explains that the area used to be managed with coastal defences, before a decision to designate the area as a nature reserve without coastal management techniques.
The team visit a new road surface that is recyclable - meaning that if the coastline changes and the road needs to be moved, it can simply be picked up and relocated elsewhere.
Teacher Notes
Key Stage 3
Students could watch this short film before or after learning about the formation of a spit and use it as a basis to consider why a spit is not in a set position on the landscape.
Students could use the clip to consider whether coastal areas should always be protected or whether it is right to let the sea claim some land.
Key Stage 4
This short film could be used to reinforce the idea of coastal landscapes as dynamic and ever-changing.
Students could draw a series of diagrams showing what might happen to the spit in the future under a range of different scenarios.
The idea of the recyclable road can be linked to sustainable coastal management and the idea of ensuring that infrastructure is sustainable in the long-term.
Curriculum Notes
This topic appears in Geography at KS3 (Hydrology) and KS4 / GCSE (Rivers and water) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.
More geography clips with Liz Bonnin:
What is the water cycle? video
Iain Stewart describes the water cycle and explains that water is constantly suspended in the atmosphere, yet we only notice it when it falls as rain.
How does a river change as it travels downstream? video
Liz Bonnin introduces a 麻豆官网首页入口 archive clip of Sir David Attenborough as he follows the Amazon River downstream.
The erosion of the Grand Canyon. video
Liz Bonnin introduces the Grand Canyon with its complex and very ancient geology.
What coastal management techniques are being used on Hayling Island? video
This short film introduces the coastal management techniques used on Hayling Island in Hampshire.
The geological significance of the Jurassic Coast. video
A look at the Jurassic coastline and its geological significance with rocks spanning the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods.
How has ice and other processes impacted the landscape of Yorkshire? video
Wildlife presenter Julia Bradbury explains how Malham Cove and the limestone pavement formed, highlighting the significance of glaciers on the landscape.
What does the North Norfolk coastline tell us about how glaciation shaped Britain? video
Presenter and biologist Alice Roberts explains how Britain used to be connected to Europe via a land-bridge but has changed with sea-level rise since the last Ice Age.
Glaciation of the Northern Hemisphere. video
Presenter Iain Stewart explains the glaciation of the Northern Hemisphere, looking at the El Capitan rock face.
What evidence is there for a changing climate in the UK? video
Countryfile presenter Tom Heap introduces the idea that the UK climate might be changing, with increased droughts, increased summer temperatures but wetter winters.
The continued impact of plate tectonics on our oceans. video
A look at how our oceans are constantly changing due to the underlying plate tectonics.
What can Anglesey tell us about the plate tectonics of Britain? video
Presenter Nick Crane uses a map to compare the geology of Anglesey to that of the rest of Britain - highlighting the diversity of rock types.
Deforestation and soya growth in Paraguay. video
Simon Reeves visits Paraguay to consider the deforestation that has occurred to grow soy and the challenge of conversation vs exploitation.