Science For Society: New Developments in Geography Event
For more information regarding this event, please telephone Sarah Dack on 023 8059 2522 or email S.L.Dack@soton.ac.uk .
Event details
Recent advances in physical geography place geographers in a unique position to answer many of the world’s problems, such as: how rivers work at a range of scales and the impact water resources have on surrounding ecosystems (including humans); how changes in climate can affect carbon budgets from soils, lakes and other sedimentary archives; and how environmental change (both natural and human-driven) influences landscape evolution and can affect ecosystem services.
The University of Southampton's physical geographers are currently engaged in addressing such geographical questions using a variety of innovative and cutting-edge research techniques. These academics will share their expertise, experiences and innovation with school teachers through this course.
Attending the course will provide geography school teachers with the skills and resources to appreciate leading-edge advances in the discipline, allowing them to pass on that knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to a new generation of geographers in schools.
How to apply
Complete the application form and arrange for a countersignature by your school. Enclose with a covering letter that explains in no more than 500 words why you believe attending this course will be of particular benefit to your teaching career and a cheque for £50*.
*The £50 booking deposit will be refunded on completion of the course. Delegates must fund their travel costs to attend the course at Southampton. All tuition, accommodation, food and travel during the course will be provided free.
Application and Selection
Applications will be reviewed as and when they are submitted (until the deadline of 31st May) relative to the selection criteria. Applicants will be informed within 2 weeks whether they have been successful in gaining a place on the course. The course is limited to 20 places so interested applicants are advised to discuss with their school as early as possible and put in an application.
Priority criteria for selection:
- Secondary school teacher - must be specialist geography teacher
- Priority to GCSE / A level teachers currently delivering to these year groups
- Should be ‘mid-career' ie not have graduated in last 4-5 years
- ONE teacher from each school
- Must teach in GB school
Aims of the course
To provide teachers with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques for data collection in the field, and its analysis and interpretation.
To give teachers an insight into how The Met Office and Ordnance Survey each collect and enhance geographical data to underpin complex forecasting and decision-making.
To ensure teachers return to school equipped with knowledge of new tools that can contribute to raising standards of geography teaching in their school.
To engage with leading academics to inspire teachers to raise the aspirations of their A level geography students, and provide encouragement to those who are considering a BSc in geography at university.
To provide an outstanding Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunity. This course provides 10 points towards the 35 annual points required for Chartered Geographers.
Programme for the course:
Thursday 24 July 2014 - Welcome
Arrive for lunch at 1pm.
Introduction to Geography at Southampton and brief tour of the building and facilities.
To London for Gala Dinner at Goldsmith’s Hall.
Friday 25 July 2014 - Visit to Ordnance Survey
Remote sensing (aerial photography); Cartography; GI insight, update on resources for schools and introduction to GeoVation.
Saturday 26 July 2014 - Problem solving in the field: Sampling in the New Forest
Collecting a range of data types based around fluvial geomorphology, soils and biogeography. We will demonstrate a range of practical teaching methods for the field, as well as show how our high end kit works.
Sunday 27 July 2014 – On Campus
Uploading data from the field, initial data assessment and use of a range of techniques to best interpret the data (including modelling and GIS). We will also focus on innovative new ways to collect appropriate data in order to answer key questions in physical geography – particularly around rates of change at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore Southampton.
Monday 28 July 2014 – Visit to the Met Office, Exeter.
The day will include some free time to explore Exeter in the late afternoon, followed by a meal in the city before returning back to Southampton.
Tuesday 29 July 2014 – Visit to the National Oceanography Centre (NOCS)
Summary of course and farewell lunch.
Depart from 1.30pm.
This course is a collaboration between Ordnance Survey and Southampton University, in association with The Goldsmith's Company and Met Office.
Ordnance Survey
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Ordnance Survey is Great Britain's national mapping agency. It collects, maintains and distributes accurate and up-to-date geographic information (GI) which is used by government, business and individuals to underpin a wide range of social and economic activities. A well recognised brand for paper maps, digital data now accounts for 90% of the business. In 2011 Ordnance Survey moved to a new purpose-built sustainable head office building at one of the gateways of Southampton, its home city since 1841.
University of Southampton
www.southampton.ac.uk
The University of Southampton is one of the UK's leading university geography departments. It is a leading centre of geographical research, both nationally and internationally, with excellent facilities, a strong publication record, and a thriving research culture. In the recent RAE 2008 assessment almost all research activity was judged of international standing, with 20% classed as world-leading.
The Goldsmith's Company
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, more commonly known as the Goldsmith's Company, is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and received its first royal charter in 1327. In addition to its responsibility for testing the quality of precious metals and its role in supporting the craft and industry, the Goldsmith's Company supports a wide range of charitable and educational projects including the Science for Society courses which aim to inform and inspire teachers of science.
Met Office
www.metoffice.gov.uk
The Met Office is the UK's national weather service providing a range of information including weather forecasts, extreme weather warnings, weather and climate predictions and international services. A range of solutions are provided for the public, government, the armed forces, health service and a range of industry sectors including the media, transport, utilities and financial services