PERFORMANCE PACKAGE TASK 3
Eyes on Wildlife
Content Standard: Inquiry Level:_ Middle Complete _
Specific Statement(s) from the Standard:
Direct Observation
A student shall demonstrate the ability to gather information to answer a scientific or social science question through:
1) direct observations, including framing a question, collecting and recording data, displaying data in appropriate format, looking for patterns in observable data, relating findings to new situations or large group findings, answering a question or presenting a position using data, and identifying areas for further investigation; and |
2) direct observations, interviews, or surveys, including framing a question; collecting data through observation, interviews, or surveys; recording and organizing information; and evaluating the question based on findings. |
Product(s):
Research Hypothesis or question
Log book
Map
Written conclusion
Task Description
Research Hypothesis or Question:
You have learned how biologists conduct field research on mammals, and have conducted your own mammal survey. You will now be given real data from an actual mammal research project. Using your background knowledge from various resources, and looking at the kind of data you will be receiving, you will need to formulate a hypothesis or question that you hope to answer with the data available to you. This data will be from 2 satellite collared wolves - one in the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, and the other at Camp Ripley. The collars were placed on young wolves in the hopes that these wolves would leave their pack and travel to a new site. Both satellite collars transmit data to us on a regular basis (provided nothing happens to our wolves!) This data gives us locations of the wolves. You will be given topographic maps of both areas to plot the data. Topographic maps show a lot of information about the land surface - whether it is hilly or flat, swampy, lakes, rivers, towns, etc. We will also have access to GIS - Geographic Information Systems on our computers. This is software that we can use to find out other things about these areas such as: population, roads, aerial photos, etc. Remember: Your question needs to be something that could feasibly be answered by the data available to you. You need to have your question approved before you proceed with the rest of the project. |
Log Book
You will need to record your question, data and conclusion in your log book. This log book should also contain any graphs, charts, GIS printouts, etc. that you use in the process of your research. We will update your log book on a regular basis - we will take part of a class period every 7-10 days to update our maps, record new data, write observations, and look at GIS pictures of the areas. |
Maps
You will be mapping your data locations for both wolves on two separate maps. These maps will be updated on a regular basis (every 7-10 days) so that you can begin to look patterns of movement, preferred habitats, distance of travel, etc. You will also map data from wolves that are in established packs from the Ely, MN area. The data for this will come from the International Wolf Center. There are several radio collared wolves in this area and the data has been collected for several years now. You will map the data from the past year in order to gain insight and a baseline of information regarding wolf travels, habitat preference, distances traveled, etc. By mapping these wolves you will have a basis for comparison with our newly satellite collared wolves. Your maps must have a legend or description of the points you plot. Think about your original research question and determine how you could code your data points that you map to help you answer your question. Before you begin mapping, show your teacher what plans you have for coding your data. |
Written Conclusion:
Because this is authentic research being carried out by biologists, it takes a long time to come to any conclusions. You will need to make periodic observations over several months before trying to make any conclusions yourself . Remember: Your conclusion needs to be about the original question you asked. Either your data and observations show that your hypothesis or question was correct, incorrect or the data was not enough to make any conclusions at all. |
Special Notes:
This research project is focused on wolves in Minnesota, however, it can just as easily be used with many other animals. There are various sites on the Internet which post authentic data for student use as well as many research projects continuously being carried out by the DNR, USFWS or universities. Check in your region for authentic research possibilities for your students to participate in and receive data from. |
PERFORMANCE PACKAGE TASK 3
Eyes on Wildlife
FEEDBACK CHECKLIST FOR TASK 3
The purpose of the checklist is to provide feedback to the student about his/her work relative to the content standard. Have the standard available for reference.
Y=Yes
N=Needs Improvement
0=Not completed
Student |
|
Teacher |
_______ |
Formulates a feasible and clearly defined question to be researched |
________ |
_______ |
Collects and records data in a detailed, accurate, and organized manner |
________ |
_______ |
Displays data in appropriate format |
________ |
_______ |
Observes and records patterns in data |
________ |
_______ |
Logically evaluates and answers the research question based on data collected and other evidence. |
________ |
_______ |
Reasonably relates and compares findings to new situations |
________ |
_______ |
A new research question is formulated for further study as a result of insight gained from the data. |
________ |
Overall Comments (information about student progress, quality of work, next steps for teacher and student, needed adjustments in the teaching and learning processes, and problems to be addressed):