Preparing for the visit - students to take
ownership over where to collect data

Last lesson, the students discussed and planned different types of data to collect for their coursework. It is at this stage that I now ask the students to think carefully about where they can collect the data [linking to the plenary from the lesson 2].

By the end of the lesson, I want every student to have produced a map of the study area, which is annotated to show where they will collect data, at what times, how and why the area is suitable. This provides evidence for the more able students to gain marks for initiative, while also supporting the less able by careful teacher guidance.

Suggested lesson plan ...

Starter - Reminders about the main data to be collected and a question and answer session as to why these are important. Powerpoint tour of Canvey Island's main roads to set the scene.

Main - The next task is to plan the visit to Canvey Island to collect data. From previous lessons, it is generally agreed that the areas of focus should be ...

• Traffic flows
• People's views on a new road
• Land use

The students now produce an annotated map of the study area to show:

• Location of data collection
• Type of data to be collected
• When data will be collected
• Why the area is suitable to collect data

Students use a map of Canvey Island to annotate where the data will be collected, generally if no ICT access is aviable I use 1:25,000 maps, or if ICT access is available I get the students to download a map from the Ordinance Survey get a map site and use Publisher or a similar desktop package to annotate the map.

An example of a completed map is avilable here.

Plenary - Presentation of maps to the rest of the class, explaining choice of location. Feedback and peer assessment opportunity.