ERIC Number: EJ1111097
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8121
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Animal Habitat Selection Using Wildlife Tracking Equipment
Laskowski, Jessica; Gillespie, Caitlyn; Corral, Lucia; Oden, Amy; Fricke, Kent; Fontaine, Joseph J.
Science Activities: Classroom Projects and Curriculum Ideas, v53 n4 p147-154 2016
We present a hands-on outdoor activity coupled with classroom discussion to teach students about wildlife habitat selection, the process by which animals choose where to live. By selecting locations or habitats with many benefits (e.g., food, shelter, mates) and few costs (e.g., predators), animals improve their ability to survive and reproduce. Biologists track animal movement using radio telemetry technology to study habitat selection so they can better provide species with habitats that promote population growth. We present a curriculum in which students locate "animals" (transmitters) using radio telemetry equipment and apply math skills (use of fractions and percentages) to assess their "animal's" habitat selection by comparing the availability of habitat types with the proportion of "animals" they find in each habitat type.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Animals, Ecology, Hands on Science, Outdoor Education, Science Activities, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Science Equipment, Wildlife, Mathematics Skills, Radio, Active Learning, Secondary School Science, Middle School Students, High School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive; Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: Secondary Education; Middle Schools; Junior High Schools; High Schools
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nebraska (Lincoln)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A