Collecting physical geographical data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use sampling strategies to help me measure the shape and characteristics of a landscape.
Key learning 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.
- There are a variety of ways that we can measure the characteristics of the land.
Keywords
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 misconception
Systematic and stratified sampling are 'better' than a random sampling strategy.
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.
Teacher tip
Different sampling strategies can be demonstrated by using colourful buttons. Students can try to create random, systematic and stratified samples of the buttons based on their colours and size.
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 is secondary data?
Q2.Data which is an tells geographers how someone feels about a geographical issue.
Q3.Which of the following features appear in a well-designed scoring survey?
Q4.There are four common ways of recording questionnaire and survey data. These are opinions, scores, measurements and .
Q5.Match the activity to the most likely location.
Q6.Which of the following statements are true?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is stratified sampling?
Q2.Match the dimension measurement to the feature one might be studying.
Q3.To measure vegetation cover, geographers place a on the ground and count the number of squares which include vegetation.
Q4.Which of the following statements is true?
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Collecting physical geographical data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Collecting physical geographical 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 4 geography lessons from the Fieldwork unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.