Earlier in May, the Geography Department took the Second Years for some exciting fieldwork to Shere and Chilworth, where they embraced a hands-on day of geographical exploration and data collection. Mr Ruck, Head of Geography, reports back from the trip:
With clipboards at the ready, the students were fully immersed in investigating the features and behaviour of a real river system. Over the course of the day, the students visited two carefully selected sites along the watercourse to measure key variables such as river speed, width, and depth. Our aim was to observe how these characteristics changed downstream and to connect our observations with the theoretical models studied in class.
Students worked in small groups to collect measurements with enthusiasm and impressive teamwork. River depth, however, was occasionally gauged with a little too much excitement — some measurements mysteriously matched the height of wellington boots or reached just above ankle level! Despite a few soggy socks and damp trousers, spirits remained high throughout the day.
It was a joy to take the students outdoors and provide them with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real-world setting. Observations and thoughtful discussions enhanced the learning experience, and many students remarked on how much more meaningful the data felt when collected in person.
We were fortunate with the weather — a few clouds loomed but thankfully no downpours — though that didn’t necessarily mean we all stayed dry! All in all, it was a successful, memorable day that brought geography to life and gave students a fresh appreciation for the dynamic nature of river environments.
Mr Ruck would also like to provide a special mention to those Second Year tutors and key operational staff who also joined us and made the trip possible.
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If you would like to learn about the many benefits of learning outside the classroom, check out a previously published In Trinity article here.
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