AH Biology Fieldwork+

The main purpose of this trip was for students to gather data for their Advanced Higher Biology projects, in which they conduct an experiment and analyse the results whilst drawing on knowledge from the biology syllabus. As Benmore Outdoor Learning Centre is situated near forests, woodlands, gardens, valleys and moorland there was a wide variety of locations for students to carry out their projects. Each student chose an area of study before the trip.

Day 1 - Pilot studies. Everyone went off to their various locations, where they would be sampling and carrying out their experiments on day 2. This allowed people to carry out their pilot studies. The pilot study is a small-scale version of the full project and is used to determine if an experiment can be carried out in the conditions present, and if the researcher will see any results. The pilot study was useful as it allowed students to refine their project methodologies and make any alterations necessary. Students also took samples from their area, and later identified them back at Benmore House.

Days 2 and 3 - Data collection. Students were again out at various locations, but on these days they were carrying out their actual experiments and recording their findings. In addition to noting their findings the students also logged confounding variables which would have an effect on the dependent variable e.g. soil pH, temperature. To ensure that the results found from these experiments were reliable, the students changed location at least once, where they repeated their experimental procedures (replicate). Again, they collected samples and brought them back to Benmore House to be identified.

On day 4 - Completion. some students were finishing off their research/sampling/identification, whilst others were allowed to go on an adventurous activity organised by Benmore Centre staff. These activities included abseiling, kayaking, gorge walking and caving.