Field Studies & Outdoor EducationSailing & CanoeingEnvironmental Research & MonitoringHolidays - Meetings & Conferences
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools

Field Study Courses

Key Stage 4 Science Field Trips

G Hartland (2006)

Example of a 2 day GCSE science field study course available to download GCSE programme.pdf

Medina Valley Centre on the Isle of Wight offers field study courses for GCSE science which are specially tailored for each school. There is a strong emphasis on biology but fieldwork can also benefit other aspects of the GCSE curriculum such as alternative energy and soils.

A key stage 4 science field study course helps bring the text book to life and allows students to carry out practical investigations to learn "How Science Works" and consider different case studies to see "Science in Action", as well as reinforcing other aspects of the GCSE syllabus.

Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements and what the Medina Valley Centre can offer.

All field study sites are within a 40 minute drive from the Medina Valley Centre, or within walking distance.

 

GCSE Science field study courses can include the following fieldwork options:

G Hartland (2006)


Pond Study: Using their own results, this investigation into invertebrate life covers the following aspects of the curriculum:

      • Identification & classification
      • Adaptations
      • Food webs
      • Ecological pyramids of number, biomass & energy
      • Energy efficiency

The ponds are all within walking distance of Medina Valley Centre.


Rocky Seashore: Using their own results, this investigation into seashore life covers the following aspects of the curriculum:

      • Identification & classification
      • Adaptations
      • Food webs
      • Ecological pyramids of number, biomass & energy

In addition, there are opportunities for students to develop their own identification key.


River Study: A study of local streams covers the following aspects of the science curriculum:

      • Identification
      • Water quality indicator species
      • Water chemistry
      • Impact of human activity
      • Effects of different pollutants on stream invertebrates


Farm Visit: A visit to one of the Island's commericial glasshouses as well as other farms on the Island, GCSE science students can learn about the following:

      • Maximising agricultural yields
      • Biological control
      • Differences between organic & intensive farming
      • Environmental considerations


Alternative Energy & Sustainable Development: Medina Valley Centre has a renewable energy demonstration system allowing students to learn about:

      • Alternatives to fossil fuels & their energy efficiency
      • Global warming
      • Sustainable development
      • Recycling


Animal Behaviour: Students visit Isle of Wight Zoo and study animal behaviour:

      • Instinctive & learned behaviours
      • Feeding & reproductive behaviours
      • Communication

In addition students can study the behaviour of woodlice in choice chambers in laboratory conditions.


Woodland Management and Coppicing: A visit to a local woodland to collect their own data allows students to learn about:

      • Woodland management techniques
      • Effects of coppicing on flora & fauna

 


View and print
Adobe PDF files

Free Adobe Reader® software lets anyone view and print Adobe PDF files.