Wildlife
Welcome to the Wildlife web page.
Introduction
Wildlife is a Project Based Learning unit that focuses on using exponential growth and decay models to solve real-life problems. Students build a mathematical model of projected changes in moose population in the Adirondack National Forest, beginning with the selection of factors that must be reflected in the model, including migration rates, sex ratios, reproductive rates, and rates of importation. As the unit continues, students learn about exponential functions, graphs of exponential equations, the rules of exponents. Students test their moose models to learn how sensitive they are to change.
Driving Question: How can we create a mathematical model of wildlife populations in order to advise environmental policy: Put yourself in the position of commissioner of the Environmental Conservation Department, and make a recommendation to the governor about this situation.
Culminating Project: After students solve the unit problem, they will work in groups to create a web-based business plan for a small business of their choosing. Teams will publish on the internet a create a recommendation to the governor about their plan. View Project details.
Assignments
- Unit Overview:
- Lesson 1: First Steps
- Lesson 2: First Moose Model
- Lesson 3: Multplicative Growth
- Lesson 4: Second Moose Model
- Activity 4: Curved Lines
- Individual Work 4: Growing Up... Or Down?
- Lesson 5: Final Moose Model
Students solve the unit problem.
Supplemental Problems
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Resources
The following are links to resources for Exponential Functions, the topic being developed in the Wildlife PBL:
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