Glendalough Field Trip Report
How I grade reports
A poor report.....
random scribbles under a few or all headings; poorly presented; looks rushed; dog-eared or torn. This will be returned for re-doing.
The minimum acceptable report (D grade)
A re-writing of the answers to the questions on the field trip questionnaire; a map of the valley; a few redrawn field sketches; neatly written and presented; headings used;
A good report (C grade)
as above plus uses all the information in the questionnaire and other information from the trip or handouts; sketches are redrawn nicely, framed, labelled; some soil/rock/vegetation samples included; neatly written and presented; obvious care shown; headings used; interest in shown.
A very good report (B Grade)
As above plus relevant photographs from the trip
; headings used but not followed slavishly - the information is discussed rather than just rewritten answers to the questionnaire; keen interest is obvious;
An excellent report (A grade)
As above plus a good mix of sketches, photographs, other relevant diagrams and maps; presentation is superb and includes contents page, a good arrangement of the images and information used; the information is discussed and extra detail added from studies to help demonstrate a deeper understanding of the landscape; relevant samples of different soils; a comprehensive discussion of all aspects of the trip;
Commendations are awarded for all A grades. An A grade may be awarded where a report does not fulfil the above but, based on my experience, demonstrates that the student commitment merits an A grade.
Late submitted reports will be docked a grade.
please note
This is how I grade reports completed by students in my classes. Other teachers may use a different system.
You can come to me to appeal your grade. Ask nicely and have your reasons prepared.
You have to write a report (maximum of 1500 words) of what you discovered on the trip
Caution
Your report should ideally be presented in a scrapbook or some other presentation media.
Writing your Report
Your sources of information are:-
Your existing knowledge of glaciation
the answers to the questions in your field trip questionnaire
information on tourist signs in Glendalough
other information from the field
samples of rocks, soils and vegetation you collected
photographs you took
any other research you have done and.................
Your next class after the trip - the 'review class' don't miss it.
Outline of your report - use these headings
Introduction and Aims
Why you went on the trip;
Preparation and Planning
What did you have to do to prepare for the trip?
Did you study glaciation? Examine hazard awareness? Identify equipment needed?
Site and situation
Situation is the general location of Glendalough.
Site is the specific location of the valley
The Geology of Glendalough
Rock types present; how they were formed and location in the valley
The Mining Industry in Glendalough
When and why did mining take place; What was mined;
how was it mined; why the mining industry declined.
The influence of Ice on the Landscape
When was there ice in the valley: what was the valley like before the ice;
where did the ice come from; what did it do to the landscape;
The Influence of Rivers on the Landscape
Where are the rivers in the current landscape;
what river landforms and processes are visible;
what is their impact on the landscape.
Settlement in Glendalough
Past
the monastic settlement of Glendalough
Present
The tourism industry in glendalough
Future
What it the future for Glendalough;
could/should it be developed; if so, how? if not, why?
what impact would this have?
Evaluation
Why do you think that Glendalough is important;
Did you enjoy the trip - what was the highlight;
Your report is due a week after the trip. That means you do not have much time to write it (along with revision and classes, homework etc). So do not spend TOO long on it but it still must be your BEST effort. It does NOT have to be typed, although typed would be very nice. Presentation is very important but content is the most important. If you still plan on typing it, make sure your printer is working and has enough ink in it before you begin!
Late submitted reports will be docked a grade. Even a day late.
include your field notes and sketches