Outdoor Classroom | For Scotland | Biology

Intermediate 1 and 2 Managing Environmental Resources

Experience shows that fieldwork can play a vital part in enthusing students.  Its ‘hands on’, practical approach, investigating real life situations, supports their understanding of Managing Environmental Resources with case studies, while also developing their enquiry skills. 

As well as covering specific elements of the Unit Specifications, programmes also place a strong emphasis on developing core skills and informed attitudes. Opportunities are given to participate in activities relating to enterprise, health and well-being, and citizenship.  Having fun is also an important outcome.

Where courses are offered at both levels (Intermediate 1 and 2 ), the difference is more in the depth of content covered and expectation of student capability, rather than in the themes/activities themselves.  This allows for mixed level groups to attend the same course.

Three day programme: Investigating Ecosystems

This three-day course focuses on the ‘Ecosystems’ units and includes:

  • Investigations into freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems and dynamics – variety of species and interrelationships, food chains and food webs
  • Looking at factors affecting frequency and distribution of species - abiotic/biotic factors, adaptations
  • Biological sampling methods and fieldwork techniques
  • Data collection using a range of fieldwork techniques, including identification keys
  • Analysis, presentation and interpretation of data

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Five day programme: Investigating Ecosystems, Land Use and the Local Environment

This five day course focuses on elements of the ‘Ecosystems’ and ‘Land Use’Units or Ecosystems and  ‘Local Environment’ Units of the specification depending on whether the students are at intermediate 1 or 2.   

  • Investigations into ecosystems - abiotic and biotic factors; energy dynamics and food webs
  • Investigations into land use and associated issues- uplands and high mountains – skiing/tourism/conservation or
  • Investigations into the local environment and associated issues – upland glaciated river valley – features, flora and fauna, land use conflicts, co-operation and integration issues
  • Biological sampling methods, fieldwork techniques and using identification keys
  • Data collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data

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