Year 9 Geography, Term 3, 2011. The Research Action Plan The Junior Geography Project (JGP) Why do geographic research? Geography is a doing subject – it is about asking a question about our world and its people and then going out into the field to find an answer. A Junior Geography Project (JGP) is a long-term project undertaken over a term and concerns a question that is relevant to you. Fieldwork is the best way to study Geography as you are finding answers yourself from first hand experiences. By doing research using the Research Action Plan and geographic tools it is possible for you to gain a deeper understanding of how and why elements of the physical and cultural environment affect us and how and why we in turn change our environment.
How do I go about a JGP? In undertaking a JGP, you should work through the following 8 steps of the Research Action Plan or RAP: Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8
Identify the aim/purpose of the investigation. Generate a number of focus questions to be addressed by the investigation. Decide which primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus questions. Identify the techniques that will be used to collect the data. Collect primary and secondary data. Process and analyse the data collected. Select presentation methods to communicate the research findings effectively. Propose individual or group action in response to the research findings and, where appropriate, take such action. Parts of the RAP will be directed by teachers and other tasks allow you to conduct research. The following aim directs the RAP for 2011.
AIM: To investigate changes in landuse, urban decay and renewal in the eastern Central Business District (CBD) of Wollongong. The Tasks Involved make up 30% of assessment weighting for the year. Marking Guide DATE DUE NATURE OF THE TASK Task 1 Grade given Week 3/4 Generate 3 specific focus questions. Decide which primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus questions. Identify the techniques that will be used to collect the data. Draw a map of the study area. Task 2 Grade given Week 4/5 Field sketch completed in the field and handed in on the excursion. Task 3 Grade given Week 5/6 Graph construction and analysis in class. Task 4 Mark based on Week 8 Communicate findings in a written report and a research component criteria /50 Hand in is completed as part of the hand in. Students are required to follow the instructions of their teachers and directives on the Moodle web site. Location, distribution, scale, environment and change over time are the spatial concepts we are exploring with our research.