Exploring the Brecon Beacons: Geography, Myths, and Creative Arts

on

 

Duration: 2-3 class periods

Learning Objectives:

  1. To understand the geography and key features of the Brecon Beacons.
  2. To learn about mythical stories and legends associated with the area.
  3. To express creativity through arts and crafts inspired by the Brecon Beacons.

Materials:

  • Maps or images of the Brecon Beacons
  • Printed mythical stories or access to online resources
  • Art supplies (paper, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue, etc.)

Lesson Plan:

Day 1: Geography of the Brecon Beacons (45 minutes)

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):

    • Begin by showing students a map or images of the Brecon Beacons.
    • Discuss what they see and ask if anyone knows where the Brecon Beacons are located.

  2. Geography Presentation (15 minutes):

    • Present basic geographical information about the Brecon Beacons, including location, landscape, and notable peaks or landmarks.
    • Discuss the importance of national parks for nature and wildlife conservation.

  3. Interactive Activity (20 minutes):

    • Provide a simple map of the Brecon Beacons for each student.
    • Have students label key features (e.g., Pen y Fan, rivers, forests) and color them to create their own mini-maps.

Day 2: Myths and Legends (45 minutes)

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):

    • Share the idea that the Brecon Beacons have many mythical stories and legends associated with them.
    • Explain that these stories have been passed down through generations.

  2. Mythical Stories (20 minutes):

    • Read or tell a simplified mythical story related to the Brecon Beacons (e.g., the Lady of the Lake or the Brecon Beacons Wild Horses).
    • Encourage students to discuss the story and ask questions.

  3. Creative Writing (15 minutes):

    • Have students write or draw their own short mythical story inspired by the Brecon Beacons.

Day 3: Arts and Crafts (60 minutes)

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):

    • Discuss how the Brecon Beacons inspire creativity and art.
    • Explain that students will be creating their own artwork inspired by the area.

  2. Art Activity (40 minutes):

    • Provide students with art supplies (paper, colored pencils, markers, etc.).
    • Encourage them to create a piece of art that represents the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons, a mythical character, or a combination of both.

  3. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes):

    • Have students share their artwork with the class and briefly explain their choices.
    • Reflect on how the geography and myths of the area influenced their creations.

Assessment:

  • Assess students based on their participation in discussions, engagement with the geographical and mythical topics, and the creativity and effort put into their art projects.

Homework/Extension:

  • Encourage students to research and write about one more mythical story or legend from the Brecon Beacons for extra credit.

This lesson plan will help  children explore the Brecon Beacons from multiple angles, enhancing their knowledge of geography, inspiring creativity through mythical stories, and allowing them to express themselves through art.

 

 The Brecon Beacons National Park covers 520 square miles, a high proportion being upland; two-thirds of this area is comprised of Old RedSandstone rocks. The sandstone forms four distinct blocks of hills which are cut through by major river valleys.

 

Geology of the Brecon district

 https://webapps.bgs.ac.uk/Memoirs/docs/B06117.html

 

 https://www.breconbeacons.org/things-to-do/activities/wildlife



 https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/89389-Brecon-Beacons-National-Park-Check-List


https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/GeositesPenYFan

 

 https://sites.google.com/a/miamioh.edu/geo121s18/home/brecon-beacons-np-04