To meet the assessment requirements for high school geography and to enhance students’ mastery of subject skills while increasing their interest in geography, our geography department recently organized an exciting field study camp! During the camp, students actively collected first-hand data, verified what they learned in textbooks, and learned to use various geographical survey instruments and sampling methods.
Initially, we visited the Caritas Chan Chun Ha Field Studies Centre to understand the basics of field studies. After that, we arrived at the central part of Cheung Chau, where students used an environmental assessment scale to study urban decay issues and analyze the relationship between these problems and the distance from the city center.
While there, students also participated in an engaging game called “Reveal the Treasures of Nature!” By searching for rock and mineral code clues, they enhanced their understanding of geology, making learning more fun and interactive. In the evening, students embarked on a night tour of Cheung Chau, using maps to deepen their knowledge of the island’s historical and cultural background.
For coastal exploration, students identified coastal features and examined the factors influencing coastal formation. During this activity, they learned to collect data using different instruments and compared the beach characteristics of Guanyin Bay and East Bay. For example, they measured wind speed and direction with an anemometer and compass, slope with a hand level, and current intensity with a flow and backflow indicator. They also used a water bottle to measure the direction and distance of coastal drift and collected sediment samples. These practical skills provided students with a deeper understanding of coastal surveys.
Finally, students studied beach profiles and drew beach profiles to process and present morphological data. This not only enhanced their practical abilities but also helped them appreciate the beauty of nature more. Through field sketching, students gained a deeper understanding of coastal morphological data, laying a solid foundation for future geographical field studies.
