Fieldwork: Planning a river enquiry and collecting data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can collect river characteristics data as part of a fieldwork enquiry.
Key learning points
- The Bradshaw model shows theoretically how the physical characteristics of a typical river change from source to mouth.
- Many physical characteristics of a river can be measured during fieldwork.
- Geographers can carry out fieldwork to see if their local river behaves like a theoretical one.
Keywords
Bradshaw model - a theory that describes how the physical characteristics of a typical river change from source to mouth
Bedload - geological material that is eroded, transported and deposited by a river such as stones boulders and sand
(flow) velocity - the speed at which water passes along a channel
Common misconception
Field sketches are artistic impressions of a geographical scene.
Field sketches are about clearly representing the geographical features of a place, not about the artistic skills of the geographer.
Teacher tip
Field sketches can be practised in the classroom through the projection of photographs onto an interactive whiteboard.
Equipment
30 metre measuring tape; metre stick; 30 centimetre ruler; float (such as an orange or a dog biscuit); clipboard
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What causes a river to erode its banks most?
Q2.Where does deposition mostly occur in a river?
Q3.What shape is typically formed by a meandering river?
Q4.Which landform is created by deposition at the river’s mouth?
Q5.What is the source of a river?
Q6.Which process deepens river valleys over time?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
Shows how river features change from source to mouth
Rocks and sediment moved by the river
Speed of water moving through the river channel
Q2.What does the Bradshaw model describe?
Q3.Why is planning important before fieldwork?
Q4.What is the purpose of a field sketch?
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Fieldwork: Planning a river 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 a river 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 Rivers: How do rivers shape the land? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.