2.3 Land use

Geography

Grade 4

The place where we live

(settlements characteristics)

Module 11

Land use

Land use

Activity 1

To identify the different areas in a town/city [lo 1.3, 2.1]

You have discovered by now that your town, suburb, residential area or city is divided into different parts. The area where most of the shops or offices are located, is called the central business core (with businesses, shops and offices). Then there is the industrial area (factories and workshops) and the residential areas (houses and flats). There is a good reason for this division because it would not be acceptable to live next to a factory with all its noise and activities.

What types of buildings do we find in these areas? Fill in the table.

Town planning

People who are responsible for designing towns and cities, are called town planners. Apart from determining where suburbs, industrial areas and the central business core should be situated, they must also see that land is made available for churches, schools, recreational areas, sports fields, streets, parking areas, and services such as railway lines, electricity supply, telephone communication, sewerage, etc. There are many aspects that town planners must keep in mind.

On official town or city maps land utilization is indicated in different colours. By means of the various colours, we can determine whether a specific section is used as an area for living or for industrial use.

Activity 2

To compare urban and rural settlements [lo 1.1, 1.3]

This table indicates which colours should be used for the different areas on a land utilization map. Colour the table in the prescribed colours and then colour in the land utilization map in the correct colours.

L and U se M ap

Explanation : To help you to identify land utilization, numbers are used.

All the plots without numbers are for general occupancy (residential areas).

Activity 3

To complete a land utilization map of your own environment [lo 1.1, 1.3]

Make a copy of a street plan of your town or suburb, e.g. the area where your school or home is located. Use only a section of the map. Use the same colours as for the previous activity and complete the land utilization map.

Go for a walk through your town, or try to do it the way you remember it, or from your discussion as a group.

After you have completed your map, you can compare it with a friend’s map.

Activity 4

To make suggestions of how to improve land utilization [lo 1.7, 2.2, 2.3]

• In many towns and suburbs there is land that has not been utilized properly. It could be a riverbank that has not been developed as a proper recreational facility, or simply not cared for and therefore it is not an attractive nature spot.

• Identify a neglected piece of land in your environment. Discuss as a group how it could be transformed into a recreational area or a nature reserve. Make a sketch to explain your proposal to your partners. Use the correct colours (look at activity 1 again) to colour in your plan to improve the area, as well as the surrounding area.

Compile the rules that will make it pleasant for people who visit the area.

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Assessment

Learning outcome 1: geographical enquiry

The learner will be able to use enquiry skills to investigate geographical and

environmental concepts and processes.

Assessment Standard

We know this when the learner:

1.1 identifies information from various sources (maps, atlases, books);

1.3 identifies symbols used in different kinds of maps (including plan view, grids and map keys) [works with sources];

1.7 uses geographical and environmental concepts and terms to report on enquiries in different ways (e.g. writing a paragraph, using a poster, artwork).

Learning outcome 2: geographical knowledge and understanding

The learner will be able to demonstrate geographical and environmental knowledge and understanding.

Assessment standard

We know this when the learner:

• describes the features of the local settlement, including land uses, and compares them with examples from other places;
• describes the importance of access to resources and services for people living in settlements;

2.3 describes how basic human needs were met in the past and at present.

Memorandum

Land use

The different areas in a town/city