PJC H2 GEO P2 MarkingGuide

JC2 H2 2018 Prelims Marking Guide Section A Theme 4: Geographical Investigation 1 A group of 8 students were tasked to undertake a primary fieldwork on investigating infiltration on different landuse. The group selected a study area in Coney Island with possible sites of varying landuse. The group was divided up into two teams of four to measure the infiltration rates at two different sites. One site (Site A) was a site covered with grass. The other site (Site B) was located on a beach with sandy soil. Both teams carried out the primary investigation at Sites A and B in the study area in Resource 1 on 3 September 2018 (Monday). Teams were each given the following equipment to gather primary data on infiltration rates: • Milo Tin (as infiltration tube) • Ruler • Stop watch • Water The infiltration rate was calculated by finding out the time it took for water level in the cylinder to fall by 1cm. The time took for the water level to drop by 1cm was defined using a ruler and personal observation. The data collected was recorded using a data collection sheet. Resource 1 shows the map of both Sites A and B. Resource 2 shows the land use associated with each site. Resource 3 shows the data collected by one of the teams to calculate the infiltration rates associated with each site. (a) With reference to Resource 2, suggest a suitable hypothesis and provide two reasons why it is at a suitable scale. Award 1 mark for any testable and sensible related to type of landuse and the infiltration rate. Possible response include: • Hypothesis: Infiltration rate is lower at Site A, which is a vegetated area, compared to that on Site B, which is a sandy beach. • It is at a suitable scale as it has a clearly defined research areas – the role of landuse in affecting the infiltration rate • Sites of differing landuse – sandy beach and vegetated area • 2 sites which are of close proximity • Task is within the capability of the students Point Marked [3] (b) Explain how both teams can minimise the risks in carrying out their primary investigation at Sites A and B as shown in Resource 2. Possible responses include: • Risk: General safety [4]

2 o Do a reconnoitre trip to map out places of potential hazards and places that can give first aid (e.g. clinics) – also to identify a shelter area during the bad weather conditions o Check weather forecast and to do data co llection on another day if the event of bad weather. o Ensure that there is first-aider and first aid kit for both teams o Wear proper footwear to protect from sharp objects o Wear hats or use umbrella when the we ather is too hot and have proper hydration • Risk: Water safety at Site B o Check high tide and low tide time and be aware of the high tide mark on the beach at Site B • Risk: Timing of primary data collection o Ensure that the data collection is done in the morning and avoid afternoon when it could be too hot and possible problem of dehydration o Stop investigation before sunset as the late timing may lead to students reaching home very late, issues of safety Award 2 marks for a strategy to minimize the risk identified. (c) With reference to Resources 1 and 2, explain how the students might have carried out their primary fieldwork on investigating infiltration on different landuse. Indicative Content: o Developing a plan: o Data: establish the data needed to prove the hypothesis, e.g. primary data (quantitative) of infiltration rates will have to be collected at each site o Timing: to conduct the investigation on one weekday afternoon o Data Collection: o Sampling method: random stratified sampling with the selection of two sites – Site A, a vegetated area and Site B on a sandy beach o In the field: o Mark the inside of the milo tin with a line for every 1 cm, up to 15cm. o At the respective sites, twist the milo tin (which is the infiltration tube) 10- 15cm into the soil o Place a ruler inside the milo tin to measure the fall in water level. o Pour water into the milo tin to a depth of 10 cm o As the water level decreases by every 1cm, take a recording of the time elapsed. o Record the data in the recording sheet. o Repeat two times to get an average timing for each site. o Consider research ethics: e.g. to obtain permission to conduct the investigation in coney island, consideration for the other park users; minimize noise disturbance, avoid littering, minimise the effects of trampling on the vegetated areas, fill up any voids caused by the investigation o Consider limitations: e.g. the tools used, limitations of data collected, e.g. one area may not be conclusive to prove the relationship between landuse and infiltration rate o Present and analyse data collected: establish a data representation method e.g. line graph to represent the infiltration rates. Compare the line graphs between the two sites. Interpret the data in relation to the hypothesis posed [8]

3 Levels marked: Level Marks Descriptors 3 6-7 Response demonstrates accurate knowledge of geographical investigation methods. Outlines a relevant and coherent plan with reference to data collection, methods, investigation limitations and risk mitigation strategies. Response is relevant to context of question throughout 2 3-5 Response demonstrates some knowledge of geographical investigation methods. Outlines a clear plan with some reference to data collection, methods, investigation limitations and risk mitigation strategies. Response is mostly relevant to context of question but may lack clarity and coherence. 1 1-2 Response demonstrates limited or no knowledge of geographical investigation methods. Outline of plan is limited and may not refer to one or more of the facets of an investigation in their outline plan. Much of the response may not be relevant to context of question. 0 0 No creditworthy response (d) Suggest two other pieces of information that may be useful in understanding infiltration rates at both sites. Possible responses include: • Data on rainfall; relate to soil antecedent moisture condition • Soil samples; relate to soil type and its characteristics, e.g. permeability and porosity • Anthropogenic activity, e.g. frequency and type of human activities on both sites Levels marked: Level Marks Descriptors 3 5 Response demonstrates accurate knowledge of factors that can affect infiltration rate. Insightful explanation of the factors with references to characteristics of both sites. 2 3 – 4 Response demonstrates good knowledge of other factors that can affect infiltration rate. Explanation may be limited in depth and detail. Some references made to the context of both sites. 1 1 – 2 Response shows some knowledge of factors that can affect infiltration rate. Inappropriate or incorrect explanation of factors. Response may be of limited relevance to the given context. 0 0 No creditworthy response. [5] (e) The group concluded that data collected as shown in Resource 3 may not be completely reliable and/or accurate. Explain how the process of data collection can be improved. Indicative Content: • Data collected: • The data collected may not be sufficient to provide a good overview of how varying landuse can affect infiltration rate as only 2 varying landuse were considered. Can expand investigation to areas of other landuse, e.g. construction site [5]

4 • Timing: • The collection of data is only taken once at one particular point at each site. Repeated measurements (at least 2) and taking the average can reduce the margin of error. • To conduce the fieldwork on another day at the same timing so that it is more representative of finding out the infiltration rate in the day • Try to conduct the measurement on a day with no rain so as to eliminate the influence of the