Here is a copy of the case study template for you to download. Once you have gathered your research in relation to a tectonic event, sythesise it down to the main points using this document!
Remember the four areas:
1. Causes
2. Physical impact
3. Human impact
4. Response
Your colour coding system should be well established by now, and will help you to quickly identify the four key areas within your research.
Sunday 6 September 2009
Thursday 23 July 2009
Little Britain: If the UK was a village of 100 people...
If England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were condensed to a single community of 100 people, what would that community look like?
The Daily Mail has trawled acres of spreadsheets and data-sets published by government and other statistical authorities to produce a snapshot of Britain in the 21st century. Here are just a few statistics:- EACH person would generate 495kg of waste every year. The village would generate 163kg of waste every day, of which just 47kg would be put out for recycling.
- THE villagers would have 118 mobile phones among them (66 of which would be pay-as-you-go).
- TWENTY-ONE villagers would have watched Andy Murray beat Stanislas Wawrinka at Wimbledon this year; 32 people would have watched Susan Boyle lose Britain's Got Talent.
- THIRTY people would have a Facebook account.
- THERE would be a total of 74 voters, but only 26 of them would have gone to the polls at this year's European elections.
To see the rest of the statistics, click here.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Breathing Earth
www.breathingearth.net
I had forgotten about this great site until I saw it mentioned on Funky Geography. It is a simulated world map showing the CO2 emissions and birth and death rates by country happening in real time.
I had forgotten about this great site until I saw it mentioned on Funky Geography. It is a simulated world map showing the CO2 emissions and birth and death rates by country happening in real time.
New Zealand moves closer to Australia!
A massive earthquake last week has brought New Zealand closer to Australia, scientists say. The 7.8 magnitude quake in the Tasman Sea has expanded New Zealand's South Island westwards by about 30cm (12in). New Zealand frequently suffers earthquakes because it sits on the meeting point of the Australian and Pacific continental plates.
See the full BBC report here.
See the full BBC report here.
Sunday 19 July 2009
650 million years in one minute!
A great find, ideal for the first lesson of the new GCSE starting in September 2009!
650 Million Years in 1 Min. and 20 Sec. - Watch more Funny Videos
650 Million Years in 1 Min. and 20 Sec. - Watch more Funny Videos
Saturday 4 July 2009
Coastal Management at Sidmouth
A good local example...what forms of coastal management can you see??
Sidmouth seafront west in England
Sidmouth seafront west in England
Monday 22 June 2009
Glacier melt changes Italian border
The border between Italy and Switzerland is being redrawn as glaciers along the frontier melt. The border was last changed in 1861 when Italy became a unified state, but this time the shift is being blamed on climate change.
Thursday 28 May 2009
A2 Level: Issues Analysis (synoptic)
The following resource and websites are those already highlighted by Mr O'Callaghan of The Kingdown Geography Blog...
1. Tourism in the Cairngorms, Scotland (from SAC - Scottish Agricultural College).
The Cairngorms became Scotland's second National Park in September 2003. The area is also used for a number of tourism activities.
The Cairngorm funicular is a means of transport, pulled by cables over a track bed, allowing visitor access from the car park area up the mountain plateau. It was designed primarily for winter sports enthusiasts (skiers and snow-boarders) to replace the outdated chairlift system, but is in use all year round. In summer, however, visitors are not allowed to leave the restaurant viewing platform area, due to the potential damage their walking would inflict on the fragile mountain environment and local ecosystem. Much controversy surrounded the granting of the permission for the development to take place, with heated conflicts between conservationists and the developers.
2. The Cairngorms Campaign
The Cairngorms Campaign is a membership organisation, welcoming individuals and groups as members who support its aims of protection and appreciation of the area. The Cairngorms Campaign strives to prevent unsustainable, damaging developments and argues for better management of the Cairngorms area. It works with landowners, managers, local authorities, government and agencies to this end.
3. Building ban on second homes in the Cairngorms - Times Online
WEALTHY outsiders are to be banned from building new holiday homes in the Cairngorms National Park under plans aimed at stopping rural communities from becoming tourist “ghost towns”.
1. Tourism in the Cairngorms, Scotland (from SAC - Scottish Agricultural College).
The Cairngorms became Scotland's second National Park in September 2003. The area is also used for a number of tourism activities.
The Cairngorm funicular is a means of transport, pulled by cables over a track bed, allowing visitor access from the car park area up the mountain plateau. It was designed primarily for winter sports enthusiasts (skiers and snow-boarders) to replace the outdated chairlift system, but is in use all year round. In summer, however, visitors are not allowed to leave the restaurant viewing platform area, due to the potential damage their walking would inflict on the fragile mountain environment and local ecosystem. Much controversy surrounded the granting of the permission for the development to take place, with heated conflicts between conservationists and the developers.2. The Cairngorms Campaign
The Cairngorms Campaign is a membership organisation, welcoming individuals and groups as members who support its aims of protection and appreciation of the area. The Cairngorms Campaign strives to prevent unsustainable, damaging developments and argues for better management of the Cairngorms area. It works with landowners, managers, local authorities, government and agencies to this end.
3. Building ban on second homes in the Cairngorms - Times Online
WEALTHY outsiders are to be banned from building new holiday homes in the Cairngorms National Park under plans aimed at stopping rural communities from becoming tourist “ghost towns”.
The park wants to restrict the sale of new housing within its 1,467-square-mile boundaries to people who live, work or have family links in the area. It means that outsiders will no longer be allowed to buy or build new housing for use as second homes or as holiday homes for rent.
The Cairngorms is Britain’s largest national park, with a vast mountain wilderness at its heart. It encompasses large areas of the Highlands, Moray, Aberdeenshire and Angus and is home to 17,000 people and 25 per cent of Britain’s threatened species.
Its spectacular scenery is a magnet for tourists, but in property terms has resulted in an epidemic of wealthy second-homers, who now own one-in-five of all houses within the park. That figure rises to about half in some small villages such as Braemar. The knock-on effect has been a steep rise in property prices, up by as much as 13 per cent a year, placing even the most modest, semi-detached family home beyond the financial reach of locals.
GCSE: Terminal examination on Tuesday 2nd June
This post will contain any further resources or pieces of advice that might be useful for Tuesday's exam.
Examiners tips (from 2007 and 2008 Examiners reports)
a) Where two suggestions/ideas are asked for, use two paragraphs. Remember the framework, write your first idea followed by a detailed explanation. Then, in a new paragraph, write your second idea followed by a detailed explanation.
b) Use PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) paragraphs for parts c, d and e of each question.
c) Practise diagram skills - can you draw sketch maps or diagrams to show volcanoes, regional differences, how global warming is caused, types of rainfall etc? Remember labels!
d) Use the first 5-10 to carefully select the best 4 questions to answer (remember, 2 questions from Section A, 1 question from Section B and 1 question from Section C).
e) Don't stereotype or generalise and have some idea of where places are - the South of Italy is NOT an LEDC, Africa is NOT a country. Know where your case studies are and be able to use the correct geographical area example.
f) Know key vocabulary, for example, economic activity, climate, physical processes. Remember that the Ozone layer is nothing to do with global warming!
g) Short and snappy answers for 2 mark questions - not paragraphs!
h) Look at command words and target the precise wording - son't just regurgitate all you know about a particular case study.
(Thanks to Mr Gurney for putting this list together)
Bearing in mind that natural hazards always appears in both Section A and Section B, make sure that you revise it in detail. Check the tectonic activity section of Bitesize. Pay special attention to the diagrams of volcanoes as we did not cover that very much in the lesson time. Make sure you know the diagrams of the plate boundaries and labels to go with them. You are often asked to explain in your labels, so they need to be good quality! Also, check the section on managing tectonic activity.
Use of your green revision guides for OCR C Geography. Not one question will be a surprise tomorrow if you have made good use of the revision guide!
To remind yourself of the layout of the exam paper and see some example questions, there is a higher tier paper here.
Some of you were requesting more of the case study templates last week. Although we had no more photocopied, don't forget that you can download a copy from here...
Case Study Template for GCSE
Examiners tips (from 2007 and 2008 Examiners reports)
a) Where two suggestions/ideas are asked for, use two paragraphs. Remember the framework, write your first idea followed by a detailed explanation. Then, in a new paragraph, write your second idea followed by a detailed explanation.
b) Use PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) paragraphs for parts c, d and e of each question.
c) Practise diagram skills - can you draw sketch maps or diagrams to show volcanoes, regional differences, how global warming is caused, types of rainfall etc? Remember labels!
d) Use the first 5-10 to carefully select the best 4 questions to answer (remember, 2 questions from Section A, 1 question from Section B and 1 question from Section C).
e) Don't stereotype or generalise and have some idea of where places are - the South of Italy is NOT an LEDC, Africa is NOT a country. Know where your case studies are and be able to use the correct geographical area example.
f) Know key vocabulary, for example, economic activity, climate, physical processes. Remember that the Ozone layer is nothing to do with global warming!
g) Short and snappy answers for 2 mark questions - not paragraphs!
h) Look at command words and target the precise wording - son't just regurgitate all you know about a particular case study.
(Thanks to Mr Gurney for putting this list together)
Bearing in mind that natural hazards always appears in both Section A and Section B, make sure that you revise it in detail. Check the tectonic activity section of Bitesize. Pay special attention to the diagrams of volcanoes as we did not cover that very much in the lesson time. Make sure you know the diagrams of the plate boundaries and labels to go with them. You are often asked to explain in your labels, so they need to be good quality! Also, check the section on managing tectonic activity.
Use of your green revision guides for OCR C Geography. Not one question will be a surprise tomorrow if you have made good use of the revision guide!
To remind yourself of the layout of the exam paper and see some example questions, there is a higher tier paper here.
Some of you were requesting more of the case study templates last week. Although we had no more photocopied, don't forget that you can download a copy from here...
Case Study Template for GCSE
GCSE: DME on Tuesday 9th June
Another teacher has shared a huge volume of resources to help prepare students for the DME exam. You can find them on 4shared in the folder named DME June 2009.
Sunday 19 April 2009
Tower block adverts
Two adverts featuring tower blocks which could be useful for lessons based on housing issues in MEDCs.
Friday 17 April 2009
Edexcel AS Geography: Global Hazards
Finally I've finished the revision guide for the Global Hazards section of the AS course. For year 12, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have revised the Climate Change section of the course, as there will not be a specific guide produced by us. Although you will get a paper copy of the guide, it will not show the key diagrams in colour so please ensure that you have downloaded an electronic copy as well.
Global Hazards Edexcel AS Revision
Global Hazards Edexcel AS Revision
There be pirates...
On our return to school next week, year 8 and 9 will be having a lesson on the recent spate of ship hijackings by Somali pirates. The lesson has been produced and kindly shared by Tony Cassidy here.
I have made a movie to go with the lesson.
Some useful BBC News clips...
Somali pirates seize another boat
Pirates continue to hold hostages
On the trail of Somali pirates
I have made a movie to go with the lesson.
Some useful BBC News clips...
Somali pirates seize another boat
Pirates continue to hold hostages
On the trail of Somali pirates
Monday 6 April 2009
Earthquake in Italy
At least 27 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck central Italy.
Five children are said to be among the dead and at least 30 people remain unaccounted for as a massive search for the trapped is under way.
The 6.3-magnitude quake struck in the early hours close to the medieval city of L'Aquila, 95km (60 miles) from Rome.
A civil protection official told the BBC that 3,000 to 10,000 buildings in the city may have been damaged.
To see the rest of the BBC report, click here.
Early report from CNN...
And from the BBC...
Sunday 22 March 2009
Year 12 Fieldwork Weekend: Day One (Urban Rebranding)
THE REBRANDING OF EXETER
1. Haven Banks
The day began with a visit to Haven Banks, a waterfront location along the River Exe that has been redeveloped into small independent retail outlets and a complex of flats/apartments. A 3-bed flat in this area is currently for sale for nearly £300,000. There is also a water activities centre operating from this location. There was still evidence of many redundant warehouses from the 1800s and early 1900s which were used in the trade of wool, cement, oil, timber and other goods. Ironically, we stood discussing some of these issues in front of a building site marketing new-build 1 and 2 bedroom flat, next to an empty and derelict warehouse which was ripe for redevelopment. We carried out Environmental Quality and Housing Quality bi-polar surveys, as well as an assessment of the success of this areas regeneration.
2. Exeter Quay
We crossed the foot bridge to the other side of the River Exe, to have a look around Exeter Quay. This is an example of an area that has been rebranded for tourism. We were noting any features of the 'old' quayside and how it's 'new' rebranding targeted the tourist visiting Exeter. This ranged from the visitors centre, to cafes, retaurants, the small ferry that links the Quay to Haven Banks and the cobbled streets and pedestrianised areas. It was also worth noting the approach of the rebranding, mixing the history of the quay with the new image - the history of the area is still strongly felt. The slow deterioration of the Quay began in the mid 1800s when the railway started to replace the use of the canal for transporting goods. Here, students repeated their exercise, looking at the housing and the quality of the environment. We established that the housing around this area, known as Shilhay, was a contrast to the relatively more expensive Haven Banks area. There's an array of council owned accommodation and sheltered housing. It was a surprise to see that so many of the clubs on the quay had closed down - this area is well known as the hub of Exeter's nightlife. Some students were looking at the average age of the cars, to make comparisons with other areas later in the day.
3. Princesshay
On 13th February 2009, The Herald reported that 'LAND Securities "in partnership with Exeter City Council" spent £225m to develop the new Princesshay, bringing over 500,000 square feet of retail space, 60 shops, seven restaurants, 123 apartments and 500 parking spaces to our city.' (see the whole report here).
Students continued to collect their data regarding the environment and the housing (part of the redevelopment has included new apartments above the stores). They also carried out perception surveys, asking people using Princesshay what they thought of the redevelopment. Students had also preprepared their own means of assessing the sustainability of the city centre. There's already a notable exodus of shops from the Princesshay centre, including Zavvi, Barratts and USC.
4. High Street
After visiting the new Princesshay, we made a direct comparison with the High Street, which runs parallel to the new development. Many buildings are now empty as a result of both the current economic situation and the fact that the larger chains moved into the new development. Next and Debenhams were the two stores that acted as the anchor to the new Princesshay - with Next having the prime location and iconic design at the entrance to the High Street. However, opposite the Next store is the empty shell of the old high rise Debenhams store, as well as many other empty stores. In 2005, Exeter topped the list of clone towns in the UK, with only one out of 50 stores in the High Street being independent, the rest chain stores. (See the BBC report here.)
5. Sidwell Street
To finish, we went to a street that is in need of some regeneration - Sidwell Street. It does contain many more independent stores and a steet market, but has many visible signs of decline, including buildings in a poor state of repair, damaged pavements and graffiti. This street is only yards away from the iconic Next store, yet is a stark contrast.
When we were returning to the minibus, we went past the new Vue cinema complex and the construction of a new hotel in the same area, both examples of the reimaging of Exeter.
Here is a copy of the fieldwork booklet that we used on the day. I adapted it from various resources shared on the Edexcel Geography Ning (with thanks to those people who shared their primary data techniques).
1. Haven Banks
The day began with a visit to Haven Banks, a waterfront location along the River Exe that has been redeveloped into small independent retail outlets and a complex of flats/apartments. A 3-bed flat in this area is currently for sale for nearly £300,000. There is also a water activities centre operating from this location. There was still evidence of many redundant warehouses from the 1800s and early 1900s which were used in the trade of wool, cement, oil, timber and other goods. Ironically, we stood discussing some of these issues in front of a building site marketing new-build 1 and 2 bedroom flat, next to an empty and derelict warehouse which was ripe for redevelopment. We carried out Environmental Quality and Housing Quality bi-polar surveys, as well as an assessment of the success of this areas regeneration.
2. Exeter Quay
We crossed the foot bridge to the other side of the River Exe, to have a look around Exeter Quay. This is an example of an area that has been rebranded for tourism. We were noting any features of the 'old' quayside and how it's 'new' rebranding targeted the tourist visiting Exeter. This ranged from the visitors centre, to cafes, retaurants, the small ferry that links the Quay to Haven Banks and the cobbled streets and pedestrianised areas. It was also worth noting the approach of the rebranding, mixing the history of the quay with the new image - the history of the area is still strongly felt. The slow deterioration of the Quay began in the mid 1800s when the railway started to replace the use of the canal for transporting goods. Here, students repeated their exercise, looking at the housing and the quality of the environment. We established that the housing around this area, known as Shilhay, was a contrast to the relatively more expensive Haven Banks area. There's an array of council owned accommodation and sheltered housing. It was a surprise to see that so many of the clubs on the quay had closed down - this area is well known as the hub of Exeter's nightlife. Some students were looking at the average age of the cars, to make comparisons with other areas later in the day.
3. PrincesshayOn 13th February 2009, The Herald reported that 'LAND Securities "in partnership with Exeter City Council" spent £225m to develop the new Princesshay, bringing over 500,000 square feet of retail space, 60 shops, seven restaurants, 123 apartments and 500 parking spaces to our city.' (see the whole report here).
Students continued to collect their data regarding the environment and the housing (part of the redevelopment has included new apartments above the stores). They also carried out perception surveys, asking people using Princesshay what they thought of the redevelopment. Students had also preprepared their own means of assessing the sustainability of the city centre. There's already a notable exodus of shops from the Princesshay centre, including Zavvi, Barratts and USC.
4. High Street
After visiting the new Princesshay, we made a direct comparison with the High Street, which runs parallel to the new development. Many buildings are now empty as a result of both the current economic situation and the fact that the larger chains moved into the new development. Next and Debenhams were the two stores that acted as the anchor to the new Princesshay - with Next having the prime location and iconic design at the entrance to the High Street. However, opposite the Next store is the empty shell of the old high rise Debenhams store, as well as many other empty stores. In 2005, Exeter topped the list of clone towns in the UK, with only one out of 50 stores in the High Street being independent, the rest chain stores. (See the BBC report here.)
5. Sidwell Street
To finish, we went to a street that is in need of some regeneration - Sidwell Street. It does contain many more independent stores and a steet market, but has many visible signs of decline, including buildings in a poor state of repair, damaged pavements and graffiti. This street is only yards away from the iconic Next store, yet is a stark contrast.
When we were returning to the minibus, we went past the new Vue cinema complex and the construction of a new hotel in the same area, both examples of the reimaging of Exeter.
Here is a copy of the fieldwork booklet that we used on the day. I adapted it from various resources shared on the Edexcel Geography Ning (with thanks to those people who shared their primary data techniques).
Exeter Rebranding Fieldwork Booklet
View more presentations from JoBlack.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Adaptation (another catchy tune!)
Following the success of the Mount St Helen's song, here's another catchy tune to explain how camels adapt to a desert environment. Brilliant!
Friday 27 February 2009
Global Rich List: How rich are you?
Every year we gaze enviously at the lists of the richest people in world. Wondering what it would be like to have that sort of cash. But where would you sit on one of those lists? Here's your chance to find out, go to the Global Rich List.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Year 10 ICT lesson: Revisiting Development
You have today's lesson to put together a PowerPoint presentation that explores a development indicator of your choice. Be creative, however, and try to choose one that is a bit different to those that we have studied previously!
What to include?
1. Use gapminder (click on 'Gapminder World') to explore any relationships between your development indicator, and other indicators of development. Use the drop down lists on the two axis to select your indicator and the one(s) that you want to compare with. Include a copy of any graphs that you have created, and write a description to describe and explain what it shows.
2. Use worldmapper to create a map of your development indicator and its global pattern. Again, make sure that you include a copy of the map, with a description and explanation of what it shows.
3. Use CIA World Factbook to create a list of 8 countries and the data for that country related to your indicator. Are there any patterns? Are there any that do not fit a pattern? Why might this be? Some of you will be able to create a graph to show the data you have researched.
4. Finish your PowerPoint with 3-5 bullet points that summarise what you found out about your development indicator.
What to include?
1. Use gapminder (click on 'Gapminder World') to explore any relationships between your development indicator, and other indicators of development. Use the drop down lists on the two axis to select your indicator and the one(s) that you want to compare with. Include a copy of any graphs that you have created, and write a description to describe and explain what it shows.
2. Use worldmapper to create a map of your development indicator and its global pattern. Again, make sure that you include a copy of the map, with a description and explanation of what it shows.
3. Use CIA World Factbook to create a list of 8 countries and the data for that country related to your indicator. Are there any patterns? Are there any that do not fit a pattern? Why might this be? Some of you will be able to create a graph to show the data you have researched.
4. Finish your PowerPoint with 3-5 bullet points that summarise what you found out about your development indicator.
Saturday 21 February 2009
Google Earth 5
Google Earth 5 is available to download and includes many new features, including- Historical imagery from around the world
- Ocean floor and surface data from marine experts (see image)
- Simplified touring with audio and voice recording
Friday 20 February 2009
Real life 'Slumdog Millionaire'
I don't seem to be able to see anything any more without thinking about how it might be useful in our Geography lessons. I went to see Slumdog Millionaire a couple of weeks ago, as I've already discussed with some of you! I've been thinking about how best it can be used and have contemplated reinventing the 'Are the streets of Kolkata paved in gold?' unit to reflect Slumdog Millionaire instead but will have to wait until the DVD is released. Athough it is a 15 cert, it would be possible, with some careful scene selection and parental consent, to craft a new unit of work around this film for the year 9 curriculum! Scenes that are particularly relevant include one where the children are running through the slums, as well as one in which call centre staff are being trained in 'Britishness' almost, by learning about Kat and Alfie in EastEnders!BBC News reported the real life slumdogs and featured the child stars of the film who were paid £3,000 each. Let's remember this is a film that has made $140 million at the Box Office! Watch the report HERE.
Thursday 19 February 2009
Another mobile phone fact!
Following my earlier post about the changes in mobile phone technology, here's a video with a warning about charging your mobile phones overnight...
Thanks to Alan Parkinson.
Thanks to Alan Parkinson.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Geography and technology: The evolution of mobile phones
The Geography department is soon going to be working together with the Technology department on a project that covers both subjects (cross curricular). One direction we might go in is the idea of technology and the throw away culture. I just checked my Twitter and MFCowan, one of the teachers I'm following, had just 'tweeted' a link to this excellent YouTube video showing the evolution of the mobile phone from 1985 to the present day. Look out for the statistics of how many phones are discarded every year - shocking!Sunday 15 February 2009
Geography in the News: How did the snow affect the south west of the UK?
Most classes in years 7-9 had this second lesson about some of the impacts the snow had on our region. Just sharing for the teachers that use this blog...
I'm afraid it was a very quick effort as I was running out of steam near the end of the half term, but it seemed to work fairly well.
I'm afraid it was a very quick effort as I was running out of steam near the end of the half term, but it seemed to work fairly well.
Sunday 8 February 2009
Geography in the News: Let it Snow!
This is the first of two lessons in relation to the recent extreme weather events affecting the UK. It is tenuously linked to students personal geography - but bearing in mind that many students will still find themselves snowed in tomorrow, it should do just fine!
And here's the Snow in Okehampton movie that features in the PowerPoint!
Let it Snow! Geography in the News lesson
View more presentations from JoBlack.
And here's the Snow in Okehampton movie that features in the PowerPoint!
Telegraph TV: Britain's week of snow
A useful report that tracks the story of the snow throughout last week...
The G Word...Emirates advert!
Geography mentioned in the new Emirates advert in reference to Dubai!
Thanks to SLNer Oceana for highlighting this!
Thanks to SLNer Oceana for highlighting this!
Great Photo Generator!
Been sidetracked this morning by this new photo generator. I've used a couple of the snow pictures...
Thanks to Liz Smith via Alan Parkinson for highlighting this new tool!
Thanks to Liz Smith via Alan Parkinson for highlighting this new tool!
Friday 6 February 2009
The snow returns with a vengeance!
It was about 10pm last night when a friend of mine said to turn on Sky News where the breaking news was that 200 cars were trapped on Haldon Hill! This is an area where two roads - the A38 from Plymouth, and the A380 from the Torbay area (including my home town of Teignmouth) - come together at the bottom of a very steep hill. Okehampton experienced 22inches (55cm) over Thursday evening and today. The speed at which the snow fell and quickly settled took everyone by surprise!
6:45am Friday Morning
10:30am Friday Morning
Snow brings another day of chaos
Here's some pictures from Germansweek (from Mr Palmer) and Okehampton (from Mr Smith - Science)!
Here's some pictures from Germansweek (from Mr Palmer) and Okehampton (from Mr Smith - Science)!
Germansweek
Okehampton
Mrs Fairley has taken these photos of her garden at different times after the snow started falling in Okehampton!
10pm Thursday Evening
6:45am Friday Morning 10:30am Friday MorningAgain, any more photos from staff and students welcome!
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Tony Cassidy's pop up model of a hurricane
On Monday morning (before we were all sent home because of the snow!), my year 11 class had a go at Tony Cassidy's hurricane model.
I took the opportunity to try our my Flip video and digital camera! Check out the following footage to see the results. Students do have their coats on due to the sub zero temperatures we were faced with on Monday morning, before my heating kicked in! At the end of the lesson, students explained the formation of a hurricane to the person next to them as no one would volunteer to be videoed explaining their models. Fortunately, I managed to catch Jack's explanation!
I also photographed Rudi's and Ness's as examples of the finished article...
I also photographed Rudi's and Ness's as examples of the finished article...
With thanks to Tony Cassidy for sharing this lesson.
The weather outside is frightful...
We continue today to be affected by the snow showers. This morning I battled the weather to get to school. I listened carefully to Radio Devon and had a few chats with some of the other teachers, but finally decided to give the journey a go. I managed to drive out of my road, only to skid into the pavement in the next road. After three attempts to pull away again, I was Okehampton bound. The roads had been gritted well overnight and the sky was blue! I was beginning to wonder what all the fuss was about. Well, when approaching Whiddon Down a light flurry of snow started falling, but then got heavier and heavier! I turned off the A30 heading for Okehampton and could barely see the car in front of me. The snow had settled on the roads incredibly quickly and it was difficult to see where the road ended and the pavements began. It took 25 minutes to get from Whiddon Down to the school (normally 7 minutes). There were cars facing all directions and a lorry that had skidded. My wheels were locking every time I pressed the brake. I eventually got into the school car park and swerved my way into a space. The freak snow shower quickly passed and this was what was left...
The difficult decision was made to send all students home and many staff did the same due to the unpredictable nature of these snow showers. As for me, my journey home was possibly more eventful than the one there! The snow I'd travelled through on the way in was quickly being thawed by the glorious sunshine. However, the snow started again when I got to the 50mph speed limit along the A30. By the time I'd got to the A380 at Haldon Hill, it was heavier than it had been in the morning. Cars were queued for a couple of miles trying to slide their way down the hill towards Exeter. Fortunately I was going the other way. I turned off the dual carriageway onto the Teignmouth road which was thick with snow. I dropped down to 5mph. A car coming the other way had it's hazard lights on and stopped me, saying several cars had skidded into each other further down the road and it was impassable. I did a 3-point turn (of sorts!) and headed back the way I came. I found an alternative route and finally arrived in Teignmouth where the sky was blue and the sun shining - yet 3 miles down the road there were dark skies, snow and traffic chaos!
To keep yourself up to date with the weather for the rest of this week, use the following links...
BBC Weather 5 day forecast for Okehampton
SW England Severe Weather Warnings
Let us hear your stories of the snow by adding a comment to this post! If you have any pictures of our wintry weather, please email them to me (both students and staff) and I'll add them to the blog.
Here's our first contribution. Mrs Clayton's wonderful snowman...someone has been busy!
Here's our next contribution. Thank you Mr Palmer! 
The difficult decision was made to send all students home and many staff did the same due to the unpredictable nature of these snow showers. As for me, my journey home was possibly more eventful than the one there! The snow I'd travelled through on the way in was quickly being thawed by the glorious sunshine. However, the snow started again when I got to the 50mph speed limit along the A30. By the time I'd got to the A380 at Haldon Hill, it was heavier than it had been in the morning. Cars were queued for a couple of miles trying to slide their way down the hill towards Exeter. Fortunately I was going the other way. I turned off the dual carriageway onto the Teignmouth road which was thick with snow. I dropped down to 5mph. A car coming the other way had it's hazard lights on and stopped me, saying several cars had skidded into each other further down the road and it was impassable. I did a 3-point turn (of sorts!) and headed back the way I came. I found an alternative route and finally arrived in Teignmouth where the sky was blue and the sun shining - yet 3 miles down the road there were dark skies, snow and traffic chaos!
To keep yourself up to date with the weather for the rest of this week, use the following links...
BBC Weather 5 day forecast for Okehampton
SW England Severe Weather Warnings
Let us hear your stories of the snow by adding a comment to this post! If you have any pictures of our wintry weather, please email them to me (both students and staff) and I'll add them to the blog.
Here's our first contribution. Mrs Clayton's wonderful snowman...someone has been busy!
Here's our next contribution. Thank you Mr Palmer! And another one...Ms Murray-Jude this time!
Thanks to Emma Siddall (Year 12) for these pictures of the snow in Sheepwash!
Thursday 29 January 2009
GCSE Case Study Template
Here's the case study template that we will be using in lessons and as homework activities to help you prepare for the summer exams for Year 11. For Year 10 students, we will be using these templates as part of an on-going processes of revision for end of unit exam questions and to start building up a bank of case studies as the course progresses.
Case Study Template for GCSE
It would be a good idea for you to download an electronic copy as you can then edit it to suit specific case studies. Paper copies will also be available from your geography teacher.
Case Study template now available to download from Okehampton College's new Frog VLE!!
Students click here to go directly to the Frog login.
Case Study Template for GCSE
Publish at Scribd or explore others:
It would be a good idea for you to download an electronic copy as you can then edit it to suit specific case studies. Paper copies will also be available from your geography teacher.
Case Study template now available to download from Okehampton College's new Frog VLE!!
Students click here to go directly to the Frog login.
Saturday 24 January 2009
Good Luck Year 11 and 13!
Monday is a big exam day for our great geographers! Wishing you all luck...
Year 11
Don't forget that the DME PowerPoint was posted on here a little while ago if you need it. Think sustainable or unsustainable!!!
Year 13
When discussing the effectiveness of hazard management, remember that their success depends on a number of factors...
Year 11
Don't forget that the DME PowerPoint was posted on here a little while ago if you need it. Think sustainable or unsustainable!!!
Year 13
When discussing the effectiveness of hazard management, remember that their success depends on a number of factors...
- Type of hazard - eg hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, flooding, tornado
- Frequency - how often the hazard happens
- Magnitude - the size of the hazard event
- Spatial/areal reliability - how reliable the management is over a particular space and area
- Speed of Onset - how quickly the hazard starts e.g. earthquakes have a quick speed of onset whereas volcanic eruptions are slower
- Technology available
- Education - is the population aware of what to do in the event of a hazard?
- Preparedness - is the region and its population prepared for the event?
- Economic resources - MEDC? LEDC?
- History - have they learnt any lessons from previous events?
If you need to ask any questions about either exams, add them to the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer them!!!
Thursday 15 January 2009
Year 9 options: GCSE Geography
The time to decide your GCSE options is quickly approaching with the options evening on Thursday 22nd January! Check out the PowerPoint below to find out if Geography might be the right decision for you!
To find out more about GCSE Geography, speak to Mr Gurney or Miss Blackmore.
GCSE Geography Promotion
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.
To find out more about GCSE Geography, speak to Mr Gurney or Miss Blackmore.
Year 11: Problems with downloading the DME guide
It would seem that there are a few problems downloading your copies of the DME task booklet. If you go to my 4shared space it will allow you to download it without having to sign up for anything! The one that we have used in lesson time is called 'Final DME'.
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Primark hits the news again!
It was a wonderful moment in 9y1's lesson today when lots of you asked me if I had seen the news about Primark after we used it as an example of a company that has connections with sweatshops in the developing world in the Global Fashion Industry unit.
Primark featured on the BBC News earlier this week for once again being involved in the use of sweatshops, but this time here in the UK! Supplier TNS Knitwear, who supply Primark, was found to be employing illegal workers in poor conditions at its Manchester factory. Factory workers were found to be working 12 hours a day for £3.50 per hour. Primark is best known for its cheap fashion clothing and bucked the trend on Britain's high street last year to make a £233m profit.
Primark featured on the BBC News earlier this week for once again being involved in the use of sweatshops, but this time here in the UK! Supplier TNS Knitwear, who supply Primark, was found to be employing illegal workers in poor conditions at its Manchester factory. Factory workers were found to be working 12 hours a day for £3.50 per hour. Primark is best known for its cheap fashion clothing and bucked the trend on Britain's high street last year to make a £233m profit.To see the BBC News stories connected to this, click here.
Saturday 10 January 2009
GIS Mission: Wind Power Location
For Miss Blackmore's year 8 class...
You were set a homework task to have a go at the GIS zone mission on wind power location in preparation for the Sustainability assessment. I will be asking you three questions about the mission that you will only know the answer to if you have completed the task. Once you finish the wind power mission, why not try some of the others!!
Click here to take you straight to the GIS Missions.
You were set a homework task to have a go at the GIS zone mission on wind power location in preparation for the Sustainability assessment. I will be asking you three questions about the mission that you will only know the answer to if you have completed the task. Once you finish the wind power mission, why not try some of the others!!
Click here to take you straight to the GIS Missions.
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