KS3 Woodland Ecosystems

The course normally runs 10am – 3pm.  There will be an allocated lunch slot, the timing will depend on the final course programme.

Pre Visit / Prior Learning

• An understanding of key terminology associated with ecosystems.
• Awareness of the location to be studied.

Introduction

• Welcome and Introduction
• Setting and Sharing Objectives
• Discuss the route for enquiry
• Introduction to woodland ecosystems, including the abiotic and biotic factors present.

Morning / Afternoon

• Planning the fieldwork
  • In groups, plan the investigation including making predictions, methodology and equipment
• Fieldwork, depending on Centre, this may be done at two sites, or along a transect.
  • Make observations of the site to be studied.
  • Carry out measurements of relevant biotic factors including vegetation and abiotic factors including canopy cover, temperature, soil type, light levels and pH
  • Carry out qualitative fieldwork methods e.g. field sketch.
• Analysis and evaluation
  • a verbal data review to interpret observations, draw conclusions, with reference to predictions.

Depart

Key Stage 3 Geography 

• Human and physical geography
  • understand, through the use of detailed place-based exemplars at a variety of scales, the key processes in physical geography relating to: weathering and soils
  • understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments and the climate
• Geographical Skills and fieldwork
  • use fieldwork in contrasting locations to collect, analyse and draw conclusions.

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