River flow fieldwork

Authenticity: Task, Tool & Setting​

Vertical Divider

Introduction

In this scenario the pupils are going to measure the discharge (flow rate) of a small stream. To do this they need to know how fast the stream is flowing and also the cross sectional area of the channel currently occupied by the water.

Objective of this scenario

• To show how mobile devices are used for educational purposes outdoors.

Description of the learning scenario

In this scenario you will see students measuring the flow rate of the stream. They use their mobile devices to record the time needed to know how fast the stream is flowing.

Impact of the learning scenario on students

• The pupils will learn how to record the data they need for their final assignment
• The students will learn how to calculate the discharge by multiplying this cross sectional area by the flow rate (metres per seconds).

How could this scenario be extended?

• The sampling could be done at different points along the stream to test various theories, for example: does the discharge rate increase when the stream is straighter?
• Instead of oranges, use other items, for example: a stick.

• Orange
• Ruler
• Fishing net

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Produced by:
Maximilian Stoller    Realschule am Rennbuckel (Karlsruhe, DE)
Cora Kloet-Vries       Lentiz | Reviuslyceum (Maassluis, NL)
Frank Overkleeft       Lentiz | Reviuslyceum, (Maassluis, NL)