A child-led introduction to Rotterdam, Netherlands, suitable to support study of a European location at Key Stage 2.
The video
Video summary
Rotterdam sits at the mouth of two rivers, the Rhine and the Meuse.
Goods are imported and exported all over the world via the barges and container ships that operate in and out of the city’s port every day.
Martine, a local Dutch girl, shows us around the busy port.
She introduces us to her mother, the boss of an international shipping company and her father, a shipping agent responsible for organising the tugs and pilot boats.
The activity at the container port and dry bulk terminal, plus the busy transport network of trains and trucks that move the cargo, means that the port needs a lot of electricity to run smoothly.
The extreme wind at the port has led to wind turbines being erected to generate some of this energy for both the port and surrounding community.
Teacher Notes
Children could consider the similarities and differences between their own town and the port of Rotterdam, Holland, by presenting this information in a Venn diagram or writing a report.
Using the clip as a stimulus, the children could complete further research on the importance of trade within the EU and where key port locations are in the UK.
The children could write a 'Day in the Life of…' diary of Martine, the young girl presenting the film, whilst at home, at the port and at school.
This report or diary could be accompanied by a glossary explaining the key vocabulary.
The children could complete research about the benefits and disadvantages of using coal and wind power to generate energy, as shown in the clip.
This clip will be relevant for teaching Geography at KS2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 2nd and 3rd level in Scotland. The National Curriculum for Geography at Key Stage 2 emphasises study of a European location and making comparisons with a location in the United Kingdom.
A location in Europe - Haarlem, Netherlands. video
10-year-old Mika describes the traditional Dutch architecture of her hometown of Haarlem, Netherlands.
A location in Europe - Veere in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands. video
Nine-year-old Robbert introduces his hometown of Veere in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands.
A location in Europe - Kinderdijk, Netherlands. video
Nine-year-old Donna introduces Kinderdijk - a region famous for its canals and windmills.
A location in Europe - the North Frisian island of Sylt, Germany. video
11-year-old Helen explains what life is like on the German island of Sylt.
A location in Europe - Inzell, Germany. video
11-year-old Josephine introduces the physical and human geography of Inzell, in Bavaria.
A location in Europe - Hamburg, Germany. video
Nine-year-old Zoe introduces the physical and human geography of Hamburg, Germany.
A location in Europe - Cologne, Germany. video
Nine-year-old Niklas shows what life is like in the city of Cologne.
A location in Europe - Füssen, Germany. video
12-year-old Philipp introduces Füssen in the Allgäu region of Bavaria.
