Science for Society: new developments in physical geography Event

The University of Southampton’s physical geographers are currently engaged in addressing these questions (amongst others) and 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 the cutting edge of 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.

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
Sunday 15 July 2012 – check in from 3 pm.
Welcome and course review 6 pm.

Monday 16 July 2012
Morning: new developments in data collection: field and laboratory based equipment.
Afternoon: new developments in remote sensing and GIS technologies.
A focus on innovative new techniques 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.

Tuesday 17 July 2012 – problem solving in the field: sampling in the New Forest.
Collecting a range of data types based around fluvial geomorphology, soils and biogeography. Latter part of
the day will be devoted to uploading data from the field, initial data assessment and using a range of
techniques to best interpret the data (including modelling and GIS).

Wednesday 18 July 2012 – visit to Met Office, Exeter.
Weather forecasting, climate change, impacts, resources for schools.

Thursday 19 July 2012 – visit to Ordnance Survey.
Remote sensing (aerial photography); Cartography; GI insight, update on resources for schools and
introduction to GeoVation. Gala Dinner: Goldsmith’s Hall, London.

Friday 20 July 2012 – Google Earth, OS OpenSpace and OS OpenData.
The pros and cons of using web tools for visualisation. Exploring recent developments with a firm emphasis
on what is practical to use in the classroom.

Lunch and depart

About your hosts

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.soton.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.