Planning (Edexcel IGCSE Geography): Revision Note

Enquiry question

Enquiry process

• There are six stages to the enquiry process

  • Planning and introduction

  • Methods and data collection

  • Data presentation

  • Analysis

  • Conclusions 

  • Evaluation

• The exam may include questions on any of these stages

Aims/hypothesis

• Fieldwork is based around an enquiry into a 'real life' issue

  • This is linked to the content in the specification and then related to a place-specific context

• All fieldwork begins with the aims and hypothesis

• The aim explains what the enquiry is attempting to achieve 

  • An investigation into changes in beach profiles along Mappleton Beach

  • An investigation into the impact of building a wind farm in rural Lincolnshire

• The hypothesis needs to be clear, directional and measurable, it is a statement which can be tested

  • River discharge increases with distance from the source of the River Dove

  • Environmental quality increases with distance from the new housing estate in Swanland, East Yorkshire

• Aims and hypotheses may be based on what is already known about the topic

  • For example, Bradshaw's model of rivers

Location & suitable site

• The location of fieldwork will depend on several factors:

  • The topic of the enquiry - a coastal enquiry has to be located at the coast

  • Distance - the greater the distance the less time will be available for collecting data

  • Accessibility - the location needs to be easy to travel to

  • Suitability - the site needs to provide the data required to test the hypothesis

• Once the location has been decided, sampling is used to identify the sample sites within the location

Risk assessment

• Any fieldwork will involve consideration of health and safety using a risk assessment

• Hazards should be identified 

  • Who is at risk and why?

  • What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk?

Weather conditions

Risk posed

• Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding 

• Strong sun can lead to sunburn/heatstroke

How the risk is managed?

• Check the weather forecast prior to entering the river

• Apply sunscreen

• Wear a hat

Slippery rocks

Risk posed

• Risk of slipping on rocks causing injury

How the risk is managed?

• Sturdy, appropriate footwear with good grips on the sole

Waterbourne diseases

Risk posed

• Weil's disease can be contracted through contaminated freshwater

How the risk is managed?

• Ensure that hands are washed after being in the water and any open wounds are covered

• Anti-bacterial hand wash to be used after contact with water

Working in an unfamiliar place

Risk posed

• Becoming lost

How the risk is managed?

• Students should work in groups and carry maps/mobile phones. Students could also wear high-visibility jackets

Misuse of equipment

Risk posed

• Ranging poles and other equipment may cause injury if not used correctly

How the risk is managed?

• Ensure that students know how to handle equipment correctly

Traffic

Risk posed

• Risks associated with crossing the road and walking on pavements

How the risk is managed?

• Students should wear high-visibility jackets and reminded of safe procedures for crossing the road

Cliffs

Risk posed

• Risk of rock falls or cliff collapse

How the risk is managed?

• Wear a safety helmet when working below a cliff face, do not climb the cliff, do not work at cliff faces in very wet/windy weather

Livestock

Risk posed

• Being attacked by aggressive animals

How the risk is managed?

• Do not approach animals, and avoid fields with livestock if possible