---
title: "Shapes of land and water"
description: "Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land (mountains, valleys, plains) and bodies of water (rivers, lakes, oceans) in an area"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/shapes-of-land-and-water-mt_KsKLVW_ssY
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/shapes-of-land-and-water-mt_KsKLVW_ssY.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Shapes of land and water

Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land (mountains, valleys, plains) and bodies of water (rivers, lakes, oceans) in an area

Subject: Science · Area: Earth's Systems · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/shapes-of-land-and-water-mt_KsKLVW_ssY

## Ready when they can

- Name and describe at least four types of landforms (mountain, valley, plain, hill, cliff)
- Name and describe at least three types of water bodies (river, lake, ocean, pond)
- Create or interpret a simple model or map showing land and water features of an area

## Lesson: Shapes of land and water

The ground is not the same everywhere. A mountain is land that rises up high and comes to a point. A hill is smaller and rounder than a mountain. A valley is a low strip of land you find between hills or mountains. A plain is a big, flat stretch of land that is easy to walk or drive across. A cliff is a steep wall of rock that drops straight down.

Water covers a lot of Earth too, and it comes in different shapes. A river is a long stream of water that flows from one place to another. A lake is a body of water with land all around it, and a pond is like a lake but smaller. The ocean is the biggest body of water of all, so big you cannot see the other side.

*(drawing: A pond is small, a lake is bigger, and the ocean is the biggest body of water of all.)*

**Example.** Mia hikes up a mountain trail. Partway up, she crosses a valley where a river runs through. Lower down, the land flattens into a plain, and in the distance she can see the ocean meeting the shore.

**Tip.** When you build a model or draw a map, use bumps for mountains and hills, a dip for a valley, and flat space for a plain. Color water blue for rivers, lakes, ponds, and the ocean, and label each part so others know what it is.

**Recap.** Land comes in shapes like mountains, hills, valleys, and plains, and water comes in shapes like rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Seasonal changes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/seasonal-changes-mt_go5i87u2b9)

## Opens up

- [Finding patterns in data](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/finding-patterns-in-data-mt_-G6erQvLig)
- [Ring of Fire](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/ring-of-fire-mt_bhwf_rDXQL)
- [Preventing Erosion](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/preventing-erosion-mt_m6UaSmrQVG)
- [Where water is found on Earth](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/where-water-is-found-on-earth-mt_nRF_VRntrW)