Conducting statistical tests for fieldwork

The Geographical Association has released a splendid new resource for those using statistical methods in their fieldwork.

The resource has a range of videos which explain how to use particular statistical techniques.

Volcano statistics uncovered

One way to explore statistical data and comparisons between different places which share common characteristics is to play (or create) Top Trumps cards.
Here's a very useful additional resource.

Raphael Heath has produced a very useful new map for any of you who use the Volcano Top Trumps packs in your classroom. If you haven't seen the Top Trumps, they can be purchased via the website.

Here's the map, which shows the locations of the volcanoes in the pack.

Grants available for our course in Copenhagen

European in-service training within the framework of Erasmus+ KA1

This in-service teacher-training course deals with how to make sense of statistical information through different presentation forms and media. The participants will understand how to develop students’ statistical concepts and thinking.
Special attention will be paid to international databases and functionality related to presentation of data in graphs, tables and maps as well as comparisons of time-series data sets. Also the developed toolbox offers the interactivity of uploading own data.
The pedagogical advice will use an activity-based approach, based on problem-solving and on concept development.

Date and venue

Date:  Monday 7 till Thursday 10 September 2015.
Venue:  Københavns Åbne Gymnasium (Copenhagen Open Gymnasium), Sjælør Boulevard 133   Valby
We hold 15 rooms for participants in First Hotel Exelsior (arrival Sunday 6, leaving Thursday 10 September), very close to the venue and the Central railway station of Copenhagen.

Funding Possibility/I-Use grant

If you have been unable to obtain funding you will be eligible for one of a number of an I-Use grant to cover all training, residential and food costs. These grants will only be available on a first come, first served basis. Applications for these grants must be received no later than May 31 2015. Further details are available from the I-Use website.

Website materials shared at the GA conference

Have you checked out the I-USE website recently?
We have a range of materials for teaching about, and developing your own statistical literacy.

Image: Luc Zwartjes presenting in Manchester - image by Alan Parkinson

We shared these at the GA Conference, and had some very good feedback from the delegates who came along to our session, and had the chance to try the hands-on tools.

Here's an example of the resources that we've been creating... This one is on the theme of Overpopulation.

Head to the website to download the others.

Follow the TOOLS and LEARNING tabs to find the latest additions...

Overpopulation Unit by GeoBlogs

I-USE at the GA Conference

We will be at the Geographical Association Conference in Manchester next week.

We are doing a workshop on Friday the 10th of April from 4.30 - 5.20

We'll be sharing news about the project, and the teacher-training course that is taking place later in the year...

Have you applied for our course yet ?

Stockholm... Deadline is March as you can apply for funding from your national agency...

I-Use Teacher Training Course by GeoBlogs

Earth Primer

On the I-USE project we're keen on apps that can help people get a grasp of statistics.
Although this is not strictly a statistical app, it makes use of models of the way that physical processes work, and brings them to life.

A month or so ago, I picked up on an app that was getting ready for adding to the App store. I contacted Chaim Gingold, who worked on the game called SPORE some years ago, and found out more about it, and started to get excited about the potential for teaching the ideas that underpin geomorphology to a lower school audience, and those who may just be interested in finding out more about how the Earth works.

The app is now live on the App store at a cost of £7.99, and is called Earth Primer.
Take a look here.

It allows the user to explore the world in an exciting way and explore how processes that shape the earth work.
There are several sections which are possible to work through and these include a look beneath the surface of the Earth as well as the range of processes which change the surface.
Work through the book to unlock tools which can then be used in the Sandbox section of the app.

I'm working on some education materials for the app, which will be available in a few weeks time.