Geography Field Study

Geography Leaving Certificate - Geographical Investigation:

Due to the huge popularity and need, EcoAdventure Ireland has chosen to host the River study, from the list of topics sent by the department of education:

The title of this study is:

‘ Geomorphic processes of erosion in a fluvial (river) environment’

(As per the Geographical investigation topics for 2010)

The focus of erosion will change to ‘deposition’ in the following year Leaving Certificate 2011.

This investigation involves, group work, class work, ICT, and field work!

The geographical investigation is a core area of study and as such is compulsory for all students. Field studies and investigations using primary and secondary sources are central to the geographical education and experience of all students. The investigation will allow the student to experience the practical application of the core geographical skills that are central to all units of the syllabus. The geographical investigation will allow the student to experience the key aims of the syllabus in the context of their own environment. The investigation also encourages students to develop positive attitudes by both experiencing and questioning relationships and issues in their own environment. The investigation represents the practical application of the core geographical skills listed in the syllabus. The students, having studied and practiced the geographical skills listed, will then apply the appropriate skills to the investigation topic. In the process of completing the geographical investigation students will be required to

• devise a strategy and identify aims, objectives, and hypotheses to allow for the effective investigation of the topic
• select methods of collection and gathering appropriate to the investigation topic
• use appropriate methods of gathering and collection of information
• prepare a report
• analyse and interpret results and draw valid conclusions.’

Courtesy of www.curriculumonline.ie

In addition, our study will endeavor to incorporate the following investigation skills.

Investigation Skills

• Map Interpretation

• Photograph Analysis

• Statistical Analysis

• ICT

• GIS

• Planning

• Data Collection

• Use of Documentary Sources

• Report Planning

• Analysis & Interpretation of Results & Conclusions

These are some comments of the first run of geographical investigations submitted to the State Examination Board:

At Eco Adventure Ireland we have taken this general advice, and worked on the areas where the presentations are weak, such as the conclusions, evaluations, and authenticity, similar content issues.

With regards to authenticity and similar content we overcome this by students have their own individual worksheets per activity. The individual need to date and sign each activity completed. There are opportunities throughout the day that they can individually comment on parts of the activity in their own worksheet.

With regard to weak evaluations and conclusions, we have included an 1 hour classroom session at the end of the fieldwork to gather data, results, conclude and evaluate their findings.

This is a sample programme brief:

For real outdoor upland fluvial landforms, for those who have an extra day, and would like to go on a hike, we can hike to Djouce Mountain to see the highest waterfall in Ireland, the famous horsetail Powerscourt waterfall, and the interlocking spurs of the Upper Dargle River.

Included with focusing on the geographical skills as per the geography curriculum, we have included the following tasks:

We are using the Glencree River for our study site, and this is 10 minutes away from the youth hostel on foot.

The stage of the river could be classified as the mature stage of the river, with a very obvious meander, with evident erosion and deposition taking place along the course. We have three study sites only 30m-40m apart.

For a more detailed programme brief or additional information and a sample of a worksheet please contact us! Details of our River Study in Killarney will be available soon.

Click here to Download our River Study brochure