Measuring River flow in geography fieldwork

Focus: Authenticity - Task, Tool & Setting​
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Introduction

In this scenario the students 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
  • The cross sectional area of the channel currently occupied by the water.

Objectives of this scenario

  • To record the rate of stream flow in an authentic location,
  • To see how mobile devices can be used to record this data,
  • To construct an artefact to show their recorded data.

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 measure and record river flow using the tools on the device,
  • The students will learn how to calculate the discharge by multiplying this cross sectional area by the flow rate (metres per seconds),
  • The students will gain a wider appreciation of the geography and record this on their devices for later reflection.

How could this scenario be extended?

  • The sampling could be done at different points along the stream to test various hypotheses: e.g. does the discharge rate change when the stream is straighter? or when the incline is steeper?
  • Using a flow meter sensor attached to the device to gain a range of readings
  • Using a SS tool to gather a wider range of data in order to make statistically more accurate readings 
  • The built in camera on the iPad
  • The built-in stopwatch on the iPad 
  • An orange (as a visible symbol of the flow rate)
  • A Ruler
  • A scoop net
Testing the river flow
Timing the discharge rate
Students in involved in this scenario

Cora Kloet-Vries (Lentiz Onderwijsgroep, Rotterdam, Nederlands), Frank Overkleeft (Lentiz Onderwijsgroep, Rotterdam, Nederlands), Maximillian Stoller (Rennsbuckle Schule, Karlsruhe, Germany)
A view over the Yorkshire dales

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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)