It may surprise the students reading this but we teachers have learning of our own to do! This is part of our professional development and an aspect of our jobs which we thoroughly enjoy. On a wonderful hot summer’s day, a group of us met at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
We were led by Alastair Pearson from Portsmouth University. From Butser Hill car park we descended by a somewhat treacherous chalk path to the wonderfully named Rake’s Bottom. We were carrying a range of technical equipment whose intricacies we would rapidly become acquainted with throughout the day.
The aim was to use GIS to investigate the microclimate of a chalk valley.
We took measurements of:
Temperature and relative humidity
Wind speed
Wind direction
Soil temperature
Solar radiation
To do this we used:
Spatial data capture
Differential and hand-held GPS
Total station surveying
Scanning total station
Later we input the data on laptops provided by Portsmouth University in the lab at the visitor centre at the Park and, courtesy of some great software, were able to see 3D mapping of the patterns recorded immediately. It was obvious that the relief of the valley had a profound effect on the micro-climate. Very satisfying to prove the hypothesis that it would!!
It was without doubt a fascinating and rewarding activity – to be able to be in the field using highly advanced equipment and to see the fruit of our labours by the end of the day was a truly satisfying experience. I know we all left invigorated (despite the slog back up the hill on the hottest day of the year!). Such opportunities will feed in to more inspirational teaching. I am sure all the staff concerned would wish me to thank Alastair and his team from Portsmouth who made it all possible. We also extend our gratitude, to Moya Grove for coordinating the whole day.
