Step 2: Interpreting and analysing geographical data and information Gain some knowledge of the fieldwork location and requirements before you visit the site. • Use topographic maps and Google Earth to learn about the location. Then, complete a sketch map of the waterway and mark the places you’ll visit. You can then scan your sketch map and have it available electronically on the field trip. Alternatively, use Google Maps to record all the sites you visit. Determine what equipment you need for each site. Work in groups, with each group collecting different data. • Use the data collection templates on your device or print them out. Step 3: Concluding and decision-making
Collect and organise your data, then decide what to include in your report. Choose the best way to show your results — tables, graphs or maps. If you use a spreadsheet, you can make graphs on your computer. Add photos to your map to show features you recorded. You can also label the photos to explain what you saw. Describing and interpreting your data is important. Answer questions about your findings to help explain them. • Where is water quality highest (best) in the waterway studied? • Is water quality better in the upper reaches of the river or creek? • Does an urban waterway have better water quality than a rural waterway? • Does surrounding land use have an impact on water quality?
FIGURE2 Data can be collected at the site and then entered immediately into data collection templates.
• Do large waterways have better water quality than smaller waterways? • What were the main contributors to poor and good water quality? • How does surrounding vegetation affect water quality? Access the digital documents section of the Resources panel to download the following:
• Data recording template • Presentation template • Record sheets • Report template Step 4: Communicating Communicate your findings. You will create a fieldwork report and a presentation. Include all your research and evidence to support your findings. Ensure that your report includes: • a title • an aim • a hypothesis (what you think you will find) — write this before you go into the field • your findings • a conclusion. You’ll suggest ways to improve water quality in the creek or river you visited. Use the Inquiry rubric to check your work.
TOPIC9 Water in the world 333
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator