LAB AND FIELDWORK
Practical work
The most important aspect of the environmental systems and societies course is hands-on work in the laboratory and/or out in the field. The syllabus not only directly requires the use of field techniques, but many components can only be covered effectively through this approach. Practical work in this subject is an opportunity to gain and develop skills and techniques beyond the requirements of the assessment model and should be fully integrated with the teaching of the course.
In line with the poster Ethical practice in the Diploma Programme, the following guidelines exist for all practical work undertaken as part of the Diploma Programme.
Internal Assessment [IA] Criteria
The first three criteria—Planning (PL), Data Collection and Processing (DCP) and Discussion, evaluation and conclusion (DEC)—are each assessed twice. Personal skills (PS) is assessed summatively, once only, at the end of the course and should reflect any sustained improvement.
Each of the assessment criteria are separated into three aspects. For each aspect, a “complete” is awarded 2 marks, a “partial” 1 mark and a “not at all” 0 marks. The maximum mark for each criterion is 6 (representing three “completes”).
A perfect score would be 42. IBCA adjusts actual marks to reflect the 20% weighting
LINK TO THE IA CRITERIA IN MORE DETAIL
Use of information and communication technology
Although the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is not an assessment requirement in this subject, it is strongly encouraged throughout the course in both practical and theory work. The application of ICT is integral to the practice, understanding and development of the subject, and teachers should attempt to expose students to a variety of ICT media, resources, software and hardware, ranging in format and complexity. In terms of hardware, this can range from the use of scientific calculators as data collection devices (data loggers) to the deployment of both laboratory- and field-based electronic data measuring and recording equipment. Hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) allow for the exploration of ideas of space and relative location. Within the classroom, geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing packages allow for the exploration of a great range of themes within the environmental systems and societies syllabus.
Students should also be allowed to explore and utilize the wealth of data, information and software available on the World Wide Web. It is important, however, that students are encouraged to develop the skills necessary to evaluate this data and information critically.