A child-led introduction to Hamburg, Germany, suitable to support study of a European location at KS2.
The video
Video summary
A child-led introduction to the physical and human geography of Hamburg.
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and has a busy container port situated on the River Elbe, about 100km from the North Sea.
Zoe is 9 and lives and goes to school very near the River Elbe.
At school with her classmates they discuss the similarities and differences between Hamburg and the town they visited in England, and what they would show visiting English exchange pupils.
The discussion is illustrated by images of the river, tunnels, river traffic and the port and harbour with its warehouses and landing stages.
Zoe and her friend experience the thrills of the famous 'Hamburger Dom' fair and we see views of the famous Christmas Market, plus the inland lakes and canals created by the damming of rivers Binnen and Alster.
Teacher Notes
This clip can be used during a module on Germany or global trade. Pupils could be asked to note down any aspect of Zoe's home life that is similar or different to their own.
They could also be asked to take notes on the port and how containerisation may have bought benefits and problems.
Finally, pupils could be asked to suggest local landmarks in their own town or city that they would show to exchange students from Hamburg.
This clip is relevant for teaching Geography at Key Stage 2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 2nd 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.
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