Collecting physical geographical data
I can use sampling strategies to help me measure the shape and characteristics of a landscape.
Collecting physical geographical data
I can use sampling strategies to help me measure the shape and characteristics of a landscape.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geographers use different techniques to sample data during fieldwork.
- There are a variety of ways that we can measure the morphology (shape) of the land.
- There are a variety of ways that we can measure the characteristics of the land.
Keywords
Sampling - the process of selecting a sample of data to study from a much larger population of data
Sample - a selection of data from a much bigger data population
Sample size - the number of individual pieces of data that are studied in a geographical enquiry
Bias - an unfair favouritism for or against something
Transect - an imaginary line along which samples of data are collected
Common misconception
Systematic and stratified sampling are 'better' than a random sampling strategy.
There is no hierarchy of effectiveness in sampling strategies. The best strategy to use depends on the dynamics of the location, the size of the overall population of data, and what geographical conclusions one hopes to be able to make from the data.
To help you plan your year 11 geography lesson on: Collecting physical geographical data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 geography lesson on: Collecting physical geographical data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Fieldwork unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Measuring natural carbon storage in a tree.
Measuring air pollution.
Measuring wind direction and strength.
Measuring infiltration.
Exit quiz
4 Questions
The size of the beach from the sea to the cliff face.
How the steepness of the hill changes from bottom to top.
The distance between the river bed and the water’s surface.
The difference in the size of trees of different ages.