a way of learning new information about a place by following a set course of activities or tasks

a prediction taken at the start of the enquiry that can then be tested

the type of geographical research on which the enquiry will focus

Formulating an enquiry question

Geography

This unit teaches pupils about fieldwork, an important assessment component at GCSE. Pupils will learn about the six stages of enquiry (formulating a question; collecting, presenting and analysing data; and writing conclusions and an evaluation). Pupils will also consider four field study options. 

Fieldwork

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

A prediction taken at the start of an investigation that can be tested.

A structured piece of research into a place and the processes happening there.

A category for a type of research into a place.

Place these stages of a fieldwork enquiry in the correct order.

is answered in the data collection stage.

guides the geographer through the enquiry process.

can be used in lots of different locations.

Comparing a place to a geographical model or theory

Assessing the need for a change to happen

Which research framework is being used with this enquiry question?
'To what extent do the sand dunes at Camber Sands show the typical characteristics of sand dunes in succession?'

Observing and recording data in the real world.

The precise place where geographical data is collected.

Which of the following describes fieldwork?

Geographers might use the 6 W questions to help them find out about a place.
Which W question is missing from this set?
Who, When, What, How, Where, {{}}

To highlight a problem or issue in an area.

To find out specific information about a place.

To help them collect the right type of data.

To help people enjoy a visit to an area more.

Why do geographers ask questions during fieldwork?

In which of these locations is a fieldwork enquiry most likely to take place?

Recording people’s opinions about a new shopping development

Observing how farming has changed land use

Researching the age and condition of people’s homes

Match the fieldwork activity to the most suitable location.

A {{}} assessment is a document and set of actions that geographers follow to make their fieldwork as safe as possible.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Formulating an enquiry question

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.