Fieldwork: Planning an air pollution enquiry and collecting data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can collect data about air pollution as part of a fieldwork enquiry.
Key learning points
- Though most air pollution is not visible to the naked eye, particulate matter can be captured using simple methods.
- Questionnaires are a good way of gauging public opinion about an issue.
- Secondary data can support the primary data that is collected in the field.
Keywords
Particulate matter - tiny particles held in the air such as dust, ash and soot
Primary data - data that is collected by geographers themselves in the field
Secondary data - data that has been collected by someone else but not necessarily an expert in that topic area
Common misconception
Secondary data has to have been collected by an expert in the data and the topic area.
Though geographers often use secondary data that has been researched and produced by experts, it does not have to be: it can come from other students.
Teacher tip
Students might like to look into how researchers collect particulate matter data and how that method compares to the one they will be using.
Equipment
PM Capture cards; clipboard; printouts of questionnaire surveys; map of the local area
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Time period when human activity affects the planet
Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
The variety of life in a particular habitat or area
Cutting down forests, often for farming or timber
Q2.Which term describes the current geological age influenced by humans?
Q3.Climate refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
Q4.What is biodiversity?
Q5.Which of these is a human activity that contributes to climate change?
Q6.What is one result of deforestation?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Tiny particles, like dust or soot, found in the air
Data collected first-hand by geographers
Data collected by someone else
Q2.Which of these is an example of primary data?
Q3. matter refers to tiny particles like dust and soot in the air.
Q4.Which of these is true about secondary data?
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Fieldwork: Planning an air pollution enquiry and collecting data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Fieldwork: Planning an air pollution enquiry and collecting data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Anthropocene: What is the impact of humans on the world? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.