Geography KS3

Alternative Technology and Weather
Students are introduced to alternative technologies and discover how weather can be used to create power. They visit up to three different microclimates on centre and take weather measurements; at the same time different types of alternative technology are experimented with.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Citizenship
Students work in small teams to complete a decision-making exercise - to create a new settlement which has minimal impact on the environment. A scoring system identifies the most sustainable settlement and all decisions are discussed in detail, focussing on infrastructure and solving problems.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Coastal Management
Students examine the conflicts which arise from coastal erosion and the options for coastal management including the different types of coastal defences available. They then discuss how the coastal area should be managed in the future.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Freshwater Pollution
The level of pollution is measured using sweep samples of invertebrates at strategic places along with abiotic tests. A series of measuring sites is used for comparison and the reasons behind any variation is discussed.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Human Impact and Conservation
Students are tasked with redeveloping a local brownfield site or area through the eyes of characters with differing views. Students organise and present their ideas to the group using posters, discussions or role-plays.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Local Historical Exploration
Students investigate change over time and the differences in the lives of different social classes, in terms of technology, leisure pursuits and living conditions. They do this by visiting a local site of historical interest and examining a relevant period in history.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Map Skills
Students investigate further the concepts of scale, grids and keys. In ‘The Great Map Extravaganza’ students use their developed skills to locate markers around a site leading them to map-related challenges.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Coastal Processes and Features
The formation of coastal features and their evolution over time is discussed using local examples. Stacks, stumps, wave-cut platforms and caves are clearly visible at the site and if desired a beach profile can be constructed.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Geology, Rocks and Fossils
Students examine sedimentary rocks formed under a range of environmental conditions and discuss the tectonic events that have shaped the landscape and fossil formation.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

People, Rocks and Landscapes
Students are introduced to the concepts of rock types, weathering, erosion, the rock cycle and the processes which have formed a nearby geological feature. Conflicts of interest between different interest groups or users can be discussed.
Available at: Little Canada

Rivers and Fluvial Systems
This river investigation involves study of the form and function of rivers from source to mouth. Visiting a selection of sites in order, measuring meanders, floodplains and channel shape, students discuss land use, flooding and human impacts on river characteristics.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Marine Zonation
Students examine marine life on a nearby beach, collecting organisms from the splash zone and the upper and lower intertidal zones. Students then discuss how these organisms adapt and how they are affected by stress factors.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Sand Dune Succession
A transect of a sand dune system reveals trends in biotic and abiotic factors. Students investigate the human pressures on a delicate system and observe measures put in place to alleviate the impact of humans on the area.
Available at: Osmington Bay

Soils and Plants
The adaptation of plants to different environments is investigated using the range of micro habitats found on or near centre. The plants are identified and discussed in terms of their adaptations.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Stream Ecology
Students investigate how a river changes along its course, from source to mouth focussing on the change in invertebrate communities. The reasons for changes along the river are examined fully, including pollution levels, land use and management.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

Woodland Ecology
A comparative investigation of coniferous and deciduous or mixed woodland is undertaken. Expected changes in diversity within physical parameters are discussed, along with the role of woodland in the nitrogen and carbon cycles.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay

World of Invertebrates
Students explore a number of habitats found on centre and collect and record the invertebrates found there. The invertebrates are identified and their classification, specific adaptations, life cycles and feeding strategies discussed.
Available at: Little Canada, Osmington Bay