Fieldwork Investigation GEO4A Fieldwork Investigation

Learning Objective To find out what is expected regarding the investigative skills section of GEOG4A, and to write the Introduction section of our investigation, including a title, aim, hypothesis and objectives.

Before we begin, check that you have the following: Checklist Before we begin, check that you have the following: A folder An Investigation Guidelines Booklet A Winterton Booklet A note pad / exercise book (you may use your year 12 Skills book) A pen, pencil, ruler and calculator

This is summarised in your Investigation Guidelines Booklet Summary of GEO4A Unit 4 – GEO4A Geography Fieldwork Investigation 20% of A Level 1 hour 30 minutes written examination 60 marks GEO4A – structured short and extended questions based on candidates’ fieldwork investigation and fieldwork skills. This is summarised in your Investigation Guidelines Booklet

Investigation Structure   Introduction, Aim, Hypothesis and Objectives Location and map of study site Background research on Sand dunes and plant succession along sand dunes Methodology / data Collection Data Presentation Data Analysis and Interpretation Conclusion Evaluation Your Investigation Guidelines Booklet explains what to include in each section.

Plant Succession at Winterton on Sea Fill in your booklets and make notes as we go along

How does vegetation change along a psammosere transect? Title How does vegetation change along a psammosere transect? From your title you will need to write an Aim, a Hypothesis and a list of Objectives. You need to decide on what you will focus upon: Vegetation height? Vegetation cover? Vegetation diversity?

Aim To find out how and why vegetation changes along a sand dune transect at Winterton, Norfolk. All aspects of your coursework must now follow on from and link to this Aim.

Hypothesis The height of the vegetation will increase with increasing distance from the high water mark. Vegetation diversity will increase with distance from the high water mark. Vegetation height and diversity will increase with distance from the high water mark. Vegetation diversity will increase with vegetation cover There will be a negative correlation between the number of species and soil pH Choose a hypothesis!

Let’s write a list of objectives!. To research sand dune formation at Winterton. To research plant succession along a psammosere To find a suitable map of the dune system and delimit the study area. To decide upon the intervals between transects To decide what data is needed and suitable sampling methods. To design appropriate data capture techniques. To construct a list of the equipment required. To research the tide times and weather conditions in order to find a suitable date to visit. To conduct a risk assessment of the area. Let’s write a list of objectives!.

Friday’s Learning Objectives During the next two lessons you must complete the following tasks: Location of Winterton Dunes Risk Assessment

Where is Winterton?

Location of Winterton Use the online OS map at www.geointeractive.co.uk to write a detailed description of the location of Winterton Dunes. You will need to move the map to the right location then zoom in to access the correct scale. Be patient if it loads slowly!

Where is Winterton Located? Information required: Map evidence: Grid reference: Nearest towns. Distance and direction from Winterton: Connecting roads: Distance and direction from school Other information:

Complete this section of your booklet! Where is Winterton? What is the grid reference How far is it and in which direction from nearby major towns /school? Which routes connect it to major towns? Complete this section of your booklet!

Why are Winterton Dunes suitable for your investigation? You must research the sand dunes at Winterton to find out why they are significant, e.g.: Area covered/size of dunes Age What can be found there Is it protected? Why? Aim reminder: “To find out how and why vegetation changes along a sand dune transect at Winterton, Norfolk.”

Risk Assessment Complete the Risk Assessment section in your booklet Weather Tides Hazards Equipment Hazard Risk (Low, Medium, High) Control Measure Likelihood of risk Impact of risk if occurred