A Level Geology Practical Skills Developed through Fieldwork and PAGs: OCR, AS/A Level Geology

Day 1

Morning

Arrive Midday

• Students greeted by FSC staff.
• Welcome talk and Centre tour.
• Pre-course meeting with FSC staff and teachers.
• Allocation of wellies/waterproofs.

Afternoon

Introduction to the Geology of the Local Area

During this first interactive session, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a stunning geological location close to the field centre. Using a range of secondary sources and first hand observations students will build up their knowledge of the geological history of the area.

PAG 1 Investigating minerals and rocks

Use keys, photomicrographs and investigation of hand specimens to identify rock types.

Evening

Students will familiarise themselves with the concepts and models appropriate to the course. Engagement with the skills, techniques and apparatus appropriate to the geological fieldwork enquiry process.

Objectives will be set for the course which:

• Link to the OCR Geology specification. (Modules 2-7)
• Consider practical skills needed for geological fieldwork.

Students will consider how to conduct their fieldwork responsibly, showing awareness for their own safety and impact on the environment. If time/day light allows some of this session can be delivered outdoors including:

• Making and recording observations/measurements.
• Keeping appropriate records of experimental activities.
• Presenting information and data in a scientific way.

Day 2

Morning and Afternoon

PAG 6 Investigating Geological Sequences

Field based investigation of an outcrop to determine geochronology and process of deposition and/or rock emplacement.

Skills, apparatus and techniques covered:

• Students will locate the geological feature in the local area
• Through field observations, sketches and photographs (including the use of fiducial scale) students will identify geological structures present in the outcrop
• Using sampling techniques students will collect data on rock units such as using a compass clinometer to measure dip and strike of planar surfaces or apparent dip of fold sections
• Rock descriptions of units from field observations

Graphic Logs

From their fieldwork measurements and full rock descriptions students will construct a graphic log for this geological exposure.

Morning and Afternoon

Evening Workshop

Orientation data will be recorded on tablets using ArcGIS online, and bedrock geology from the BGS will be imported to create a geological map synthesising their own field data with a large secondary data source. Students will present their ideas for the geological history of this outcrop, using secondary sources to back up their primary data.

Day 3

Morning and Afternoon

PAG 6 Investigating Sedimentary Processes

Students will collect/access sediment samples from a range of present day depositional environments (river bed, sand dunes, beach). Students will make qualitative descriptions of these environments of deposition. Evidence collected will help students piece together paleo-depositional environments of sedimentary rock units in the local area.

Visiting sedimentary rock units in the local area, students will further hone their skills:

• Students will locate the geological feature in the local area
• Through field observations, sketches and photographs (including the use of fiducial scale) students will identify geological structures present in the outcrop
• Using sampling techniques students will collect data on rock units such using a compass clinometer to measure dip and strike of planar surfaces or apparent dip of fold sections

Evening

Independent Titles and Secondary Research

During this evening session, students will independently finalise the draft titles of their investigation. Teachers will have the opportunity to confirm that students’ titles have the potential to meet the assessment criteria and provide any general guidance necessary. Students will develop their justification and contextualisation of how their enquiry will help them answer their title. In addition, using FSC databases and research facilities, students will independently select any secondary data sources they may require.

Day 4

Morning and Afternoon

PAG 6 Investigating geological sequences

Students will visit a different location to further develop their skills in a field based investigation of an outcrop to determine geochronology and process of deposition and/or rock emplacement.

OR

PAG 5 Investigating fossils

Students will visit a local fieldwork site and study fossils in-situ.

OR

PAG 7 Investigating orogenic processes

Studying units of rocks, students will investigate the impact of mountain building events on the local area.

Evening

PAG 12 Research Skills

Students will use their personal geological understanding of the local area and secondary data to understand the paleo-environments and geological history of a local area.

This will then inform their planning of a practical investigation PAG 11.

Day 5

Morning

PAG 11 Investigation

Students will carry out their investigations applying their design investigative approaches and methods to practical work.

Afternoon

A final farewell from FSC staff as the students depart.

• Develop personal skills
• Have fun
• Be inspired by a passion for the subject
• Build friendships