Focus

The focus of this study is the nature of geographical inquiry and its application to a practical research project.

Outcomes

P7  formulates a plan for active geographical inquiry

P8  selects, organises and analyses relevant geographical information from a variety of sources

P9  uses maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to conduct geographical inquiries

P10 applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data

P11 applies geographical understanding and methods ethically and effectively to a research project

P12 communicates geographical information, ideas and issues using appropriate written and/or oral, cartographic and graphic forms.

(See Geography Stage 6 Syllabus 1999 – Page 24 – 25)

SGP Activities

1.Choose a topic

The Information Sheets in this kit provide valuable background information about key Environmental Issues impacting on the UPRC.

2.      Develop a research plan

·         Study Sites – refer to Field Trip Site Information for background information about suitable sites for conducting SGP field studies within the UPRC. Students need to:

-          Investigate which sites are relevant to their chosen topic

-          Decide on which sites they will use in their investigations

·         How much time is needed to conduct the SGP research?

·         What primary do students need to collect? (Refer activities section for how to do field measurements, observations, habitat and community surveys, interviews, water quality testing etc)

·         What secondary data is available about the topic? (eg websites, published reports, newspaper articles, statistical information)

-          Water quality data available on the following websites – www.uprct.nsw.gov.au , www.ozgreen.org.au, www.streamwatch.org.au,

3.      Conduct Research

4.      Review Research

·         What do the results of the investigation mean?

·         What problems were encountered in implementing the research plan?

5.      Prepare Geographical Report

·         Who is the audience for the report?

·         How the results of the SGP investigations be presented?

-          What format will you use? (oral, 2000 word written report, audio visual display, pictorial essay)

Resources and Links

www.streamwatch.org.au   elib Teaching Resources

The Streamwatch website has valuable background information that will assist in the SGP.

• The Streamwatch Senior Geography Project

What is SGP?

How to carry out SGP

Using Streamwatch activities for the SGP

-          Possible SGP topics

-          Case studies

-          Data sources