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Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

Emailfieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Selecting and using equipment

Selecting and using equipment

When participating in fieldwork it is important to select the right tools and equipment.

Using fieldwork equipment

Many school assessment tasks require students to not only explain what equipment can be used to measure environmental factors, they also require an understanding of potential sources of measurement error and strategies to minimise bias.

For this reason students are urged to read the video transcipts as well as watch the videos below.

Fieldwork instruments part 1: Air temp, humidity, wind speed, light intensity | YouTube | Field of Mars EEC (2:44min) | Video transcript 

  • Measuring air temperature using the thermometer function of the Kestrel 3000 weather meter

  • Measuring relative humidity using the hygrometer function of the Kestrel 3000 weather meter

  • Measuring wind speed using the anemometer function of the Kestrel 3000 weather meter

  • Measuring light intensity using a light meter

  • Notes about reliability, potential error and biases

Fieldwork instruments part 2: Soil texture, soil pH and soil temperature | YouTube | Field of Mars EEC (2:49min) | Video transcript 

  • Definition of soil

  • Determining soil texture using a manual classification method

  • Measuring soil pH using the saturated paste method

  • Measuring soil temperature using a soil temperature probe

  • Handling and disposal of chemical waste

  • Notes about reliability, potential error and biases

Fieldwork instruments part 3: Slope, aspect, position | YouTube | Field of Mars EEC (2:37min) | Video transcript 

  • Determining slope (gradient) using an inclinometer

  • Determining position using a GPS or a smartphone app

  • Determining aspect using a compass

  • Strategies for ensuring reliable results

  • Notes about potential error and biases