From classroom to countryside - IB Geography field trip
This term, Ms Archer, Ms Kerr and myself had the pleasure of taking the Year 12 IB geographers on a fieldwork collection adventure deep into the Dalat countryside. On this adventure the students were able to collect huge amounts of river data for their Internal Assessment and also experience a ‘Geomystery tour’ which offered a different perspective into the impacts of flood plain modification around Dalat. This aims to develop the way in which the students think critically and reflect upon the interrelationships between people and their environment.
This term, Ms Archer, Ms Kerr and myself had the pleasure of taking the Year 12 IB geographers on a fieldwork collection adventure deep into the Dalat countryside. On this adventure the students were able to collect huge amounts of river data for their Internal Assessment and also experience a ‘Geomystery tour’ which offered a different perspective into the impacts of flood plain modification around Dalat. This aims to develop the way in which the students think critically and reflect upon the interrelationships between people and their environment.
In order for the students to collect fieldwork data on the Da Deung River, we had to trek many kilometres over two days, stomp through thick vegetation, traverse the stream via fallen trees and climb down river banks to access this beautifully clear river, not forgetting the night of wild camping with the students maintaining the fire by collecting all the additional firewood! The students were able to explore changes in the Da Deung River system as they travelled downstream.
After 2 hard days of trekking and fieldwork collection, the professionalism and perseverance of the students was shown as they worked through a 2.5 hour classroom session in the hotel conference room. They are now incredibly well placed to successfully complete their Internal Assessment for Geography. The reward of a visit to the pizzeria in the evening was well received by students and staff alike.
On the final day of our field trip we visited a number of different waterfalls, which enables the students to make links to and visualise fluvial geomorphological processes. This will help facilitate their learning for their final IB Geography exams next year. At Datanla Waterfall, students were also able to enjoy the sliding cart activity with some clearly drawing speed inspiration from the Luge coverage at the recent Winter Olympics! Further sites on the tour included the Koho minority village, Tuyen Lam lake, and Cam Ly waterfall.
The nature of these trips encourages students to work collaboratively as independent groups, think critically and be open minded as they reflect upon a range of contemporary issues. It was a delight to see the students rise to the challenges they experienced during the trip.
I would like to thank the parents for supporting the department in running this trip, they are a key part of the Geography experience at BIS HCMC.
Stuart Elliott, Geography Teacher and Trip Leader
