The Humanities – Geography Assessment Map – Sample at 5.5
For Level 3, please see The Humanities Assessment map.
Stream analysis
Context
Students investigated the operation of a natural system – the hydrological cycle. Students were asked to investigate a stream network on a topographic map and produce a report using geographic media to show an understanding of a stream system – identifying landforms within a drainage basin, describing the processes leading to the formation of the landforms and considering the impact of human activities on this drainage basin. The report was expected to include an annotated drainage basin map, a series of sketches of landforms, cross-sectional diagrams, and to examine the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Students used a variety of geographic techniques to present their findings.
The practical exercise took a number of lessons to complete. Students could work in groups to identify features on the topographic map but completed the report individually. Several sessions totalling approximately four hours were given to complete the task – two sessions in practical activities and two sessions developing the report.
The element of the Geographic knowledge and understanding Level 6 standard addressed by the task are:
(Students) explain the operation of a major natural system and its interaction with human activities.
Stimulus
Students were provided with a task outline and advice on how to begin their analysis. In addition, the following table was provided to help students organise their information.
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Content
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How to present it
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Identification of the river network of a drainage basin.
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An annotated, traced map of the river networks of a drainage basin, defined by the watershed (or divide) of the drainage basin.
Geographic conventions of BOLTSS are required.
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Identification of the river features within the drainage basin
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Further annotations to the map to include significant river features such as source, confluence, waterfall, mouth, stream patterns…
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Identification of the landforms within the drainage basin
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Annotated sketches showing the geographic characteristics of the drainage basin at two locations.
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Identification of the operation of the water cycle
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Cross-sections across the drainage basin at two locations
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Describe the processes leading to the formation of the landforms
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Written explanation for each of the locations, describing the processes leading to the development of the landforms. Identification of the role of water.
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Explain how, or how might, human activities change the characteristics of the drainage basin
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Written explanation of the impact of human activity in the past, present and in the future, and the way in which the natural environment may be altered.
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Sample
This work sample, and the related 5.5 The Humanities – Geography progression point, illustrate the kinds of responses that students produce as they progress towards the Level 6.
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Annotation
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Geographic knowledge and understanding – 5.5
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Shows that research has been undertaken on identification of the issues pertaining to the Skenes Creek area.
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Links human activities clearly with the outcomes that impact on the natural system.
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Draws the ideas together as the ‘agricultural’ aspect that is bringing change to the natural system; further aspects would be cover in an extended response.
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