AQA have just published a new practical handbook abailable for their AS and A-level Environmental Science specification.
AQA shared three interconnected, but separate, reasons for doing practical work in schools and colleges. They are:
- To support and consolidate scientific concepts (knowledge and understanding).
- To develop investigative skills.
- To build and master practical skills.
FSC are pleased to have worked with the team at AQA and Manchester University to create this new practical handbook resource that provides further clarity to the fieldwork required in the Environmental Science specification.
The Field Studies Council (FSC) was particularly excited by the opportunities presented by this A-level for practical, outdoor work. FSC believes that the more we understand about and take inspiration from the world around us, the more we can appreciate its needs and protect its diversity and beauty for future generations. High quality fieldwork provides opportunities for young people to be curious and creative learners, developing essential enquiry skills. AQA’s A-level Environmental Science specification is full of inspiring practical fieldwork opportunities, and FSC are delighted to have been invited by AQA to write some example case studies for the Environmental Science Practical Handbook.
Dave Morgan and Janine Maddison
Although the handbook has been written for AQA AS and A-level Environmental Science, the handbook has a wide range of applications for teachers of A-level Geography such as information on sampling design, statistical analysis guidance and fieldwork method inspiration. These applications are fully documented on pages 18 and 19 of the handbook.
Please follow the links below for AQA’s news story and a copy of the handbook.
AQA’s News Story for the launch of the Environmental Science Handbook
AQA AS and A-level Environmental Science Required Practical Handbook