KS4 Field studies
Why is fieldwork important? Pupils will learn the rationale behind different field study techniques and can practice these techniques in our Natural Area.
Level
Duration
Allocated space
Overview
Why is fieldwork important? What are the factors that affect the distribution and abundance of living organisms and how can we measure them?
Pupils will learn the rationale behind different field study techniques and will develop and practice these skills in our Natural Area.
Fieldwork techniques are brought to life as pupils experience: using quadrats; selecting and applying appropriate sampling strategies and methods; measuring abiotic and biotic factors and presenting and analysing their results.
Learning outcomes
Pupils will be able to:
- Explain how to create a suitable method and sampling strategy for fieldwork
- describe how to determine the distribution and abundance of organisms in an ecosystem.
- Understand the effect of abiotic and biotic factors on a community and how to measure these factors.
- Recognise and evaluate limitations in an investigation and suggest suitable improvements.
- Analyse and present data and draw conclusions.
We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.
Keywords:
Ecology, ecosystems, environment, sampling, strategy, random, systematic, stratified, transect, abiotic, biotic, competition, species richness, species evenness, diversity, distribution, abundance
Curriculum links
AQA – Biology
4.7.1: Adaptation, interdependence and competition
- 4.7.1.2: Abiotic factors
- 4.7.1.3: Biotic factors
4.7.2: Organisation of an ecosystem
- 4.7.2.1: Levels of organisation
AQA – Geography
3.3.2 Section B: Fieldwork – 1, 2, 3, 4
Edexcel – Biology
Topic 9: Ecosystems and material cycles – 9.2, 9.5 Core Practical, 9.6
OCR A – Biology
Topic B4: Community level ecosystems – B4.1f (PAG B3)
Topic B6: Global Challenges – B6.1a (PAG B1, PAG B3)
OCR B – Biology
Chapter B3: Living together – food and ecosystems
- B3.4: How are populations affected by conditions in an ecosystem? 1
- B3.4: How are populations affected by conditions in an ecosystem? 2 (PAG 3)
OCR A – Geography
2c Content of Geographical Skills – Fieldwork skills i, ii, iii, vi
BTEC – Biology
Topic 9: Ecosystems and material cycles – 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.5 Core Practical, 9.6
