Session 1a (with foreshore fieldwork)
Fieldwork includes recording simple abiotic data (water temperature, weather, state of tide), assessing water quality through chemical tests and invertebrate sampling, assessing the impact of rubbish on local wildlife, plus investigation of river features such as erosion, transportation and deposition.
Session 2
Role play with the River of Life floor game to investigate pollution and human impacts on the river environment. Includes revision of geographic features and the water cycle. Pupils find “pollution solutions” to help devise a sustainable future for the river.
Sites: Chiswick and Kew Bridge
RIVER BANK OPTIONS FOR SESSION 1A AT CHISWICK (WHEN TIDE IS HIGH)
EITHER 1b – Waterfront Trail
We gather evidence of how riverside settlements have adapted the river for different purposes and record different types of flood protection. The impact of these changes are assessed. Physical geography fieldwork includes recording and sketching key features such as meanders, island formation and tides (plus erosion and deposition if visible), measuring and recording activities (depth, speed, width, temperature, pH, hardness).
OR 1c – Meet the Lifeboat Crew
Pupils have the opportunity to visit Chiswick Lifeboat Station, based at The Pier House. This station is the second busiest in The RNLI fleet. In 2008 they were called out to 150 incidents and rescued 46 people. Learn first hand about features of the E-class Lifeboat, the crews’ kit and what happens when the crew are called out on a shout! Find out what you can do to keep yourself safe near open water. Accidents can be prevented by developing practical knowledge and an understanding of water safety issues. The station is crewed by both full- time staff and volunteers who work towards keeping the riverside community safe, a great example of Citizenship in action. Chiswick is an operational lifeboat station so sometimes it is not possible for pupils to meet the crew as they will be watching them race off to answer a call for assistance.
Site: Chiswick
