learning hub

Geography & the World

Why do cities grow where they do? How can mountains shape a country’s climate, or a river influence where people live? Geography is about place — but it’s also about the connections between people, landscapes, resources, and environments. Travel across continents, explore physical features, investigate populations and communities, and discover how people interact with the world around them through BBC video clips with lesson starters, articles, printables, Kahoots, and interactives. Teachers: Everything here is classroom-ready and fits into existing units.
Geography
12 of 88 results
Kahoot
Kahoot! Machu Picchu

Discover the mysteries of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city hidden high in the Andes Mountains. Students will explore who built this remarkable mountain settlement, why it may have been abandoned, and how it became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This Kahoot examines the engineering, architecture, and beliefs of the Inca Empire, including the stone structures, terraces, and pathways that allowed people to live in harmony with the steep mountain environment. Students will also discover what Machu Picchu reveals about Inca culture, religion, and scientific understanding.

Ideal for lessons on history, geography, engineering, and world cultures, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the lasting achievements and ingenuity of one of the world’s most fascinating ancient civilizations.

Kahoot
Kahoot! Christ the Redeemer

Discover the story behind Christ the Redeemer, the towering statue that overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro from high above the mountains. Students will explore how this famous monument was designed and built, what it symbolizes, and why it became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This Kahoot examines the history, engineering, and cultural importance of Christ the Redeemer, including the challenges of constructing such a massive statue on a mountaintop and the meaning it holds as a symbol of faith, peace, and welcome. Students will also discover how the monument became one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and an important part of Brazilian identity and culture.

Ideal for lessons on history, geography, engineering, religion, and world cultures, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the lasting impact of one of the world’s most iconic monuments.

Kahoot
Kahoot! The Great Wall of China

Journey across Great Wall of China and discover the story behind one of the most impressive structures ever built. Students will explore how different sections of the wall were constructed over centuries, why rulers believed it was important for protection and defense, and what it reveals about power, leadership, and human determination.

This Kahoot examines the history and engineering of the Great Wall, including the materials used to build it, the soldiers and workers who maintained it, and the challenges of constructing such a massive structure across mountains and deserts. Students will also discover why the wall became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and remains one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.

Ideal for lessons on history, geography, engineering, and world cultures, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the lasting legacy of ancient Chinese civilization and one of humanity’s greatest building achievements.

Kahoot
Kahoot! Chichén Itzá

Discover the wonders of Chichén Itzá, one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Students will explore how the Maya used astronomy, mathematics, and engineering to create impressive temples and monuments that still amaze people today.

This Kahoot examines the history and design of Chichén Itzá, including the famous pyramid El Castillo, the role of calendars and celestial observations in Maya society, and the beliefs and traditions that shaped daily life. Students will also discover how ancient knowledge and culture influenced the construction of one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.

Ideal for lessons on history, world cultures, mathematics, and geography, this Kahoot encourages students to explore the achievements and lasting legacy of the Maya civilization.

Playlist
The Fantastic Florida Playlist

Travel from Florida’s crystal-clear freshwater springs to the warm, shallow waters of Florida Bay. Watch manatees gather in springs to stay warm during the cooler winter months, and see dolphins work together, using clever hunting techniques to catch fish.

Along the way, discover how Florida’s water, weather, and habitats create homes for an amazing variety of wildlife. See how animals depend on healthy rivers, springs, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems for food, shelter, and places to raise their young.

These BBC clips offer a closer look at Florida’s remarkable wildlife and the connections that hold its ecosystems together. Dive in to discover what makes the Sunshine State so wild — and why protecting its habitats matters.

Playlist
The Awesome Australia Video Playlist

Journey across a continent filled with tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, wide-open grasslands, rugged mountains, and the vast Australian Outback. Along the way, meet some of Australia’s most famous wildlife, including bouncing kangaroos and tree-climbing koalas. Discover how these animals are suited to their habitats and why so many of Australia’s plants and animals are found nowhere else on Earth.

From spectacular landscapes to unusual wildlife, these BBC clips offer a glimpse of Australia from many different angles. Grab your imaginary passport and get ready to explore!

Printable
Country Fact File: India

What country is home to more than a billion people, hundreds of languages, the Himalayan Mountains, and some of the world’s most iconic animals? Meet India, a country with an extraordinary mix of landscapes, cultures, religions, and traditions.

From Bengal tigers and colorful peafowl to the Taj Mahal and the mighty Himalayas, India is full of fascinating stories and discoveries. Explore the civilizations and empires that shaped its history, learn about Hinduism and other religions that began there, and discover the foods, festivals, languages, and traditions that make India unique. You’ll also explore the country’s incredible wildlife.

Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:

  • Introduce a geography or social studies unit
  • Support nonfiction reading practice
  • Compare countries and cultures
  • Complete map and research activities
  • Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
  • Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Playlist
The Go Jetters Wonders of the World Playlist

Travel to some of the most amazing places on Earth, from the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Wall of China to the ancient cities of Petra and Machu Picchu. Explore Chichén Itzá, step inside the mighty Colosseum, and marvel at the beautiful Taj Mahal.

Along the way, discover where these famous landmarks are, who built them, and what makes each one so special. See enormous stone walls, towering pyramids, ancient ruins, magnificent buildings, and incredible feats of engineering — all while visiting different countries and continents.

Pack your sense of adventure and join the Go Jetters for a trip to seven spectacular wonders. Which one would you most like to visit?

Video
Majuli: A River Island in India

In Majuli: A River Island in India, learn about Majuli, the largest river island in Assam. It’s a busy place that’s an example of how Indian people work with each other and the natural world. This video is from the BBC’s Hidden India, in which presenter Geraldine James explores India’s diverse environments.

Video
A Shifting Skyline in Shanghai

In A Shifting Skyline in Shanghai, a photographer describes his photography project that captures the dramatic change in the Shanghai skyline over the last 20 years. This video is excerpted from BBC's Generation Earth, in which presenter Dallas Campbell explores how humans have changed Earth in one generation.

Video
The Rocky Mountains of North America

In The Rocky Mountains of North America, narrator Douglas Henshall highlights the dynamic landscape of the Rockies. From the American Southwest to the Yukon, this extreme environment offers freedom, but also requires its inhabitants to have exceptional survival skills. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Mountains: Life Above the Clouds, which showcases wildlife thriving in the world's highest mountains.

Video
The Cima Grande Expedition

In The Cima Grande Expedition, Steve Backshall and his team prepare to climb Cima Grande in Italy’s Dolomites, aiming for the south face of the 2,999-meter peak. With only 12 hours to summit and return before snow hits, they must deal with falling rocks and melting snow from the sun. The day before the climb, they scout the mountain, awed by its size and getting mentally ready for the challenge. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Steve Backshall vs. the Vertical Mile, a show in which Steve and his team take on one of the deadliest mountain climbs in the world — the north face of the Eiger.