Field Studies

Field Studies at Gartan OEC

Gartan OEC provides a comprehensive programme of Field Studies and Environmental Education courses for all ages, including exam class syllabus courses.

Our excellent location, on our own rambling 87 acre woodland estate on Gartan Lough shore, and within very easy reach of a variety of habitat including rivers, bogs, glaciated valleys and seashore, allows us to work on site or very close by.

Gartan OEC works to very high standards mixing traditional academic approaches with highly effective experiential learning techniques. We ensure students really benefit from their time with us.

Field studies for Biology and Science can be carried out in woodland, bog or seashore habitat while Geography field studies is in the fluvial environment. All programmes meet the requirements of the Department of Education and Science Syllabus. Programmes for Transition Year students can be tailor made to suit your requirements.

Leaving Certificate Geography

 Topic 5: Test the hypothesis that erosion is an active process in a fluvial environment

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre provides field studies to meet the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills Geography Syllabus. We specialize in the fluvial environment, studying erosion in an upper and a lower section of the river.

Students will use the skills of observation, field sketching, measuring, recording and analysis. On completion of the field work, we return to the centre to collate and evaluate the results.

Leaving Certificate Biology – Ecology

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre provides ecology studies in a woodland, bogland or seashore habitat. Students carry out a quantitative and a qualitative study of the chosen habitat. Line transects, frame and grid quadrats will be utilised in the study. Various techniques for capturing invertebrate and small mammals will be used. Flora and fauna will be identified using a variety of identification keys.

Abiotic factors, including temperature, wind speed, light and soil pH will be measured. Food chains, food webs and a pyramid of numbers will be constructed based on the habitat under investigation.

Junior Certificate Science – Ecology

Gartan OEC provides ecology studies for Junior Certificate students (both higher and ordinary level), in a variety of habitats including woodland, bogland and seashore.  All ecology studies are based on the Department of Education and Science, Junior Certificate Science curriculum.

Pupils work in small groups to complete the required tasks.  A sketch and description of the area under study will be made by the participants. The practical field work will give students the opportunity to carry out a line transect and identify plants using a variety of identification keys.

Adaptations will be examined and evidence of completion noted. Frequency of species will be estimated using a quadrat. Various means to trap and identify fauna will be utilised. Environmental factors will be measured. Energy flow in the form of food chains and food webs will be examined within the habitat visited.

Gartan OEC can also provide field studies in your own locality. Contact the centre to arrange details.

Gartan OEC specializes in residential Outdoor Education programmes. Make the most of your Field Studies trip by combining with a day of Adventure Education, or book for a week long programme.