KS5 Field studies ll
Pupils discover the rationale behind field study techniques and get the opportunity to practice these skills in our Natural Area.
Level
Duration
Allocated space
Overview
Why is fieldwork important? Pupils discover the importance of different field study techniques and get the opportunity to practice these skills in our Natural Area.
Pupils design and carry out their own fieldwork investigation, formulate hypotheses, choosing sampling techniques, equipment and variables to measure. Groups will analyse and present their data while evaluating the methodologies and considering limitations and improvements.
This session can be combined with Field Studies I for a full day of ecology fieldwork.
Learning outcomes
Pupils will be able to:
- Gain an understanding of sampling strategies, methods and equipment.
- Interpret and analyse the results found.
- Justify the use of one method over another and suggest improvements for further sampling.
- Explain why ecologists use various sampling techniques.
- Discuss the complex interactions and impacts between plants, animals and the environment.
We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.
Keywords
Ecology, biodiversity, ecosystem, community, population, sampling, random, systematic, stratified, transect, species richness, species evenness, abiotic, biotic
Skills
a) Independent thinking
- Apply investigative approaches and methods to practical work.
b) Use and apply scientific methods and practices
- Safely and correctly use a range of practical equipment and materials.
- Follow written instructions.
- Make and record observations.
- Keep appropriate records of experimental activities.
- Present information and data in a scientific way.
d) Instruments and equipment
- Use a wide range of experimental and practical instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and understanding included in the specification.
Practical techniques
1. Use appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length and pH).
11. Use sampling techniques in fieldwork.
Mathematical skills
- A.0.1: Recognise and make use of appropriate units in calculations.
- A.0.3: Use ratios, fractions and percentages.
- A.1.2: Find arithmetic means.
- A.1.5: Understand the principles of sampling as applied to scientific data.
- A.1.9: Select and use a statistical test.
- A.2.3: Substitute numerical values into algebraic equations using appropriate units for physical quantities e.g. a formula to calculate an index of diversity.
Curriculum links
AQA – Biology
3.7.4 Populations in ecosystems
Edexcel A - Biology
A level
Topic 5 On the Wild Side 5.2
Edexcel B - Biology
A level
10.3: Changes in ecosystems i) ii) iv) v)
OCR A - Biology
A level
6.3.1: Ecosystems (a) (e) i, ii
6.3.2: Populations and sustainability: (b)
OCR B - Biology
A level
4.3.1 Photosynthesis, food production and management of the environment (m) (ii)
International Baccalaureate - Biology
4.1: Species, communities and ecosystems
BTEC - Biology
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills F1