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      Fieldwork: Presenting river data

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can present river data to show correlations in the data.

      Key learning points

      1. A channel profile is a way of graphically representing the shape of a river channel.
      2. It may be possible to see correlations between river characteristics by drawing a scattergraph of the data.
      3. A line of best fit helps geographers understand the nature of any correlation.

      Keywords

      • (channel) profile - a graph that shows the shape of a river channel as if it were sliced from bank to bank

      • Line of best fit - a straight line drawn over the top of the data in a scattergraph to show any correlation

      • Correlation - the relationship between opposing geographical variables

      Common misconception

      Points in a channel profile should be joined using a ruler.

      Points in a channel profile should be drawn with a slight curve to more accurately represent the shape of the river channel.

      Teacher tip

      To generate more than six data plots for a scattergraph, a set of class data can be produced which collates data together.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a river?

      A moving body of saltwater
      Correct answer: A natural flowing watercourse, usually towards an ocean, sea, or lake
      A small man-made stream
      A large underground lake

      Q2.
      The place where a river begins is called the .

      Correct Answer: source

      Q3.
      What is the end point of a river called?

      The delta
      The estuary
      Correct answer: The mouth
      The source

      Q4.
      What process wears away rocks and soil along a river’s path?

      Transportation
      Deposition
      Correct answer: Erosion
      Precipitation

      Q5.
      What is a floodplain?

      A high hill near a river
      A mountain formed by a river
      A dry desert
      Correct answer: A flat area next to a river that floods easily

      Q6.
      Why might people live near rivers?

      Because they are far from water
      Because it is always safe from floods
      Correct answer: Because rivers provide resources like water, transport, and fertile land
      Because rivers block trade

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:Channel profile,A cross-section graph of a river channel

      A cross-section graph of a river channel

      Correct Answer:Line of best fit,A straight line to show trend in data

      A straight line to show trend in data

      Correct Answer:Correlation,The link between two geographical variables

      The link between two geographical variables

      Q2.
      A steep line of best fit may suggest a strong between variables.

      Correct Answer: correlation

      Q3.
      Why is it incorrect to use a ruler to join points in a channel profile?

      Rivers are always completely straight
      It makes the river look wider than it is
      Correct answer: It creates sharp angles not found in nature
      It hides the velocity data

      Q4.
      What should you use instead of a ruler to connect channel profile points?

      Dashed lines
      A dotted line
      Coloured lines
      Correct answer: Smooth, curved lines

      To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Fieldwork: Presenting river data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...