The potential of rocky beaches as sites for advanced level Biology fieldwork

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of rocky shores in Malta as sites for Advanced Level Biology fieldwork. The study assessed the extent to which rocky beaches are already being used for this purpose, and, through questionnaires and interviews, took into consideration the views of teachers and students regarding rocky shore fieldwork. It was discovered that although all teachers believed that rocky beaches are potential sites for fieldwork, only one was actually carrying out rocky shore fieldwork. All teachers, except one, stated that relevant educational resources would encourage them to carry out fieldwork on rocky shores. Furthermore, it was found that many students wrongly believed rocky beaches are characterised by low species diversity compared to other sites, highlighting the lack of familiarity with such habitats, and the need for exploration and promotion of such areas as fieldwork sites. Rocky beaches along the coast of Malta were therefore visited and assessed on the basis of their suitability for fieldwork and five of these were selected for promotion as suitable sites for fieldwork. The educational benefit from fieldwork on rocky beaches was investigated and various field activities were devised. A website was created to make resources more accessible to teachers and students undertaking fieldwork in these habitats. These resources were received very favourably by teachers during testing.