Interactions between geology and urban development in Kwun Tong : suggestions of geological feildwork at secondary school level

Abstract

A study of the geology of Kwun Tong area has been carried out because it could provide valuable learning opportunities of geological fieldwork to secondary school students. In the urban area and its fringe, they could see many geological features that may enhance their learning of physical geography. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify important features of local geology, including lithology and structures, and the application of geological and geotechnical engineering techniques utilised, such as quarrying, landfill and landslide in the study area of Kwun Tong. Descriptions of relevant theories are listed in Chapter 2. Data has been obtained from March 2017 to June 2018 by conducting field studies in different sites at the urban fringes of Kwun Tong. Extensive geological features could be found for production of fieldwork materials and photos and measurements were taken as evidence. These data were then synthesised with second-hand data from existing literature to confirm the theoretical details of these field features. Altogether three routes are proposed in Chapter 6 of this report. Each of them covers different issues in relation to basic geological principles and application on the field of geotechnical engineering. Taking both the geography examination syllabus of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education and learning ability of secondary school students into consideration (Chapter 3), worksheets were designed as an instructional tool for teachers to guide students learn those basic geological principles and foundational geotechnical engineering issues. It is concluded that teachers can make use of a lot of valuable geological features at the urban fringes of Kwun Tong area. Paying extra attention to the barriers, constrains and preparatory work of fieldwork, students and teachers can maximise their learning effectiveness.