Population Estimates: Bringing Math and Science Together
During this activity students will learn how to estimate population size using two techniques, density extrapolation and the mark-recapture method.
Context for Use
Project EXTREMES lessons were written to be stand alone lessons but can be incorporated into a larger unit.
Flock of birds landing at Elkhorn Slough. Photo credit: dondj2
Program
Resource Type
Lesson
Topics
Middle School
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea(s)
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystems Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
Published Date
Contact
Goals Header
What Students Will Do
Goals Header
What Students Will Do
- Students will apply two techniques, density extrapolation and mark and recapture, to estimate the size of populations.
- Students will identify the assumptions made when estimating the size of a population.
Materials
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Population Estimates Teacher Guide
Population Estimates Student Handout
Description
- Part 1 – Engage (5 minutes) What is population and why is it important?
Students define the term “population” and discuss reasons why knowing population size is important.
- Part 2 – Explore (15 minutes) Average Population Density
Students estimate a population size using the population density method.
- Part 3 – Explore and elaborate (40 minutes) The Mark-Recapture Method
Students estimate a population size using the mark-recapture method.
