111112 - KS3 High Ability [THIS DOCUMENT]
This is a geography (and possible Biology crossover) resource which engages students with the physical Geography of Lymington Harbour, and the surrounding area of the Solent, while on their ferry crossing to/from the Isle of Wight. It includes pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit activities. This resource focuses on students learning about the salt marsh ecosystems which extend along from the Lymington River Estuary to Keyhaven, behind Hurst Spit.
The resource leads students through knowing what salt marshes are and how they develop, including the concept of vegetation succession. All key terms associated with the topic area are highlighted so that students will understanding what they mean.
Students will learn what salt marshes are and how they develop, and will also learn about the characteristics of the salt marsh ecosystems at Lymington and Keyhaven.
Students will make observations from the ferry in order to understand the physical characteristic of the salt marsh are, threats to the ecosystem and how these are being managed.
Students work in groups to investigate and present a given topic area to the class, to do with the management of the coastal system/ecosystem in this location.
Students will be able to define what a salt marsh is and be able to describe succession in a salt marsh to explain its development over time. Students will be able to describe the location of, and the key characteristics of, the salt marsh ecosystem at Lymington – Keyhaven. Students will be able to describe the species of flora and fauna that are located here, and describe the importance of the salt marsh ecosystem. Students will be able to name key threats to the ecosystem. Students will be able to describe the likely impacts of climate change on the salt marsh ecosystem. Students will be able to describe and explain a variety of management approaches and techniques, including the role of SMP’s and conservation designations, in managing the salt marsh ecosystem and wider coastal area.