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Year 10 - Geography

Collecting physical geographical data

Fieldwork investigation

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about fieldwork, an important assessment component at GCSE. Pupils will learn about the six stages of enquiry (formulating a question; collecting, presenting and analysing data; and writing conclusions and an evaluation). Pupils will also consider four field study options.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use sampling strategies to help you measure the shape and characteristics of a landscape.

Key Notes

  • Geographers use different techniques to sample data during fieldwork.
  • There are a variety of ways that we can measure the morphology (shape) of the land.
  • There are a variety of ways that we can measure the characteristics of the land.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • sampling: the process of selecting a sample of data to study from a much larger population of data
  • sample: a selection of data from a much bigger data population
  • sample size: the number of individual pieces of data that are studied in a geographical enquiry
  • bias: an unfair favouritism for or against something
  • transect: an imaginary line along which samples of data are collected

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Systematic and stratified sampling are 'better' than a random sampling strategy.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Geographers use different techniques to sample data during fieldwork. There are a variety of ways that we can measure the morphology (shape) of the land.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'sampling'

the process of selecting a sample of data to study from a much larger population of data.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Systematic and stratified sampling are 'better' than a random sampling strategy. Correction: There is no hierarchy of effectiveness in sampling strategies. The best strategy to use depends on the dynamics of the location, the size of the overall population of data, and what geographical conclusions one hopes to be able to make from the data.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.