Choosing a topic to investigate
This project is an opportunity for you to investigate any valid environmental issue, at any scale and at any location. It should be an issue that has personal interest for you so that you are able to investigate deeply and with enthusiasm. This could mean a national concern for your home country, for example.
The investigation must have a spacial element to it, meaning that it can be mapped and locational differences can be commented upon. This is because we will be using Arcgis, an online mapping tool, amongst other things, to produce the final piece of work.
Areas of investigation could include:
Larger scale
Smaller scale
Whatever you choose, the key concept is that your investigation should be mappable and data driven. This data can be secondary or primary, or both, depending upon scale.
The investigation must have a spacial element to it, meaning that it can be mapped and locational differences can be commented upon. This is because we will be using Arcgis, an online mapping tool, amongst other things, to produce the final piece of work.
Areas of investigation could include:
Larger scale
- Saving the Rain forests ( or wetlands, or any biome in danger)
- Wildlife Conservation (national parks, reserves, hunting, public/private land ownership and access)
- Air Pollution or Water Pollution
- Global Climate Change
- Energy Conservation (alternate fuels, hybrid cars, the “green” movement)
- Waste Management (recycling, landfills, toxic waste etc.)
- Human overpopulation (food & water shortages, habitat destruction)
- Urban problems and solution (traffic, community, greening of space, cycle lanes)
Smaller scale
- Traffic congestion or amounts in one or more locations
- An investigation of the school grounds and surroundings (Arcgis can perform at this scale)
- Noise pollution at the local scale
- Litter and waste at the local scale
Whatever you choose, the key concept is that your investigation should be mappable and data driven. This data can be secondary or primary, or both, depending upon scale.
Research and data collection
Locational data is a must. For example, if you are investigating deforestation, specific locations need to be used and the data, images and scale of the problem at these locations will be analysed and commented upon individually so that a more detailed global picture can be offered. You will see how this works when you become familiar with Arcgis.
Even local scale investigations can zoom in on specific sites, even at school campus level, and data can be added for that precise location.
For second hand data and images, you will need to use the internet.
Browse sites related to your topic, jot down information you think will be important to include in your final product.
As you browse the sites and locations related to your topic, think about the following questions that you will need to include in your final project:
Images, diagrams, screenshots from google maps can all be used as evidence and detail within your story.
Even local scale investigations can zoom in on specific sites, even at school campus level, and data can be added for that precise location.
For second hand data and images, you will need to use the internet.
Browse sites related to your topic, jot down information you think will be important to include in your final product.
As you browse the sites and locations related to your topic, think about the following questions that you will need to include in your final project:
- What is the problem? (Specific to that location)
- How do we know there is a problem? (What evidence is there? Data will be needed)
- What causes the problem? (Data, evidence)
- What are the effects of the problem on that location?
- How will it effect the world?
- What is being done to solve the problem? etc.
Images, diagrams, screenshots from google maps can all be used as evidence and detail within your story.
Producing an environmental investigation and story using Arcgis
How to tell a story using arcgis. Click on the link and follow the tutorial.
Link to Arcgis data sets here
TASK - Formative
Present your proposal
Research a potential project.
Create a presentation of your project.
- Will it work in terms of data?
- Is the scale of the project achievable?
- How will it work in terms of Arcgis story?
Create a presentation of your project.
- Importance of the issue
- Context of the study
- What are you trying to analyse and show?
- Where will your data come from?
- What are the main areas of research you will be using?
TASK - Final StoryMap
Using the markscheme below, submit a completed StoryMap of the environmental issue and a completed investigation document that shows the full range of your investigation and sources.
The StoryMap will be saved and visible to me on Arcgis, and the investigation document will be uploaded to Itslearning.
Using the markscheme below, submit a completed StoryMap of the environmental issue and a completed investigation document that shows the full range of your investigation and sources.
The StoryMap will be saved and visible to me on Arcgis, and the investigation document will be uploaded to Itslearning.
Mark scheme
Investigation 10 marks
0
The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below. 1 - 2 Formulates a limited action plan to investigate a research question or does not follow a plan. Collects and records limited information, not always consistent with the research question. 3 - 4 Formulates and somewhat follows a partial action plan to investigate a research question. Uses a research method(s) to collect and record mostly relevant information. 5 - 7 Formulates and follows a substantial action plan to investigate a research question. Uses research method(s) to collect and record appropriate, relevant information. 8 - 10 Formulates and effectively follows a comprehensive action plan to investigate a research question. Uses research methods to collect and record appropriate, varied and relevant information. |
Data and analysis 10 marks
0
The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below. 1 - 2 Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of content and concepts with minimal descriptions and/or examples. Summarises information to a limited extent to make arguments. 3 - 4 Demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding of content and concepts through satisfactory descriptions, explanations and examples. Summarises information to make arguments. 5 - 7 Demonstrates substantial knowledge and understanding of content and concepts through accurate descriptions, explanations and examples. Synthesises information to make valid arguments. 8 - 10 Demonstrates detailed knowledge and understanding of content and concepts through thorough, accurate descriptions, explanations and examples. Synthesises information to make valid, well-supported arguments. |