Form 6 pupils recently ventured to Pitch Hill, in the heart of the scenic Surrey Hills, for an insightful Geography field trip. The purpose of the trip was to investigate footpath erosion and explore the human impact on the environment by comparing a well-used track with a less frequented one.
The children conducted several experiments to collect data. An infiltration test measured how quickly water was absorbed into the soil, while a soil compaction test involved dropping a steel pin from a set height to assess how compacted the ground had become from foot traffic. The cross-sectional area of each path was also measured to examine erosion levels. Using a quadrat, pupils assessed vegetation along the tracks, noting the number of species, their height, and frequency.
After gathering their data, all pupils enjoyed a fun orienteering activity, working in small groups to find hidden markers using an OS map. The follow-up at school will involve them creating a mini-project using their data to answer the hypotheses. The use of both ‘Google Docs’ and ‘Google Sheets’ will further enhance their computer skill sets.
This hands-on experience gave the children an engaging way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world environmental issues, while also encouraging teamwork and critical thinking skills.
