Growing Up on Ice

Overview

This is a STEM-based lesson that can be taught in class or online. Students will analyze Weddell seal pup growth data, collected by the Growing Up on Ice, B-030, research team. To use this lesson virtually, include the data cards and have students either construct graphs and upload an image of their graph, or construct a graph and share using the technology that is used online in the classroom.

Objectives

This lesson is Algebra 1 based. Students will apply skills to:

1. Analyze data
2. Represent and solve equations graphically
3. Draw a line of best fit
4. Write equations based on data
5. Construct a graph including title, labeling axis, plotting data

Lesson Preparation

• Provide students with PDF of Weddell seal pups data cards (in Lesson Materials) for each group.
• Print copies of worksheets for class (if virtual omit graphing section or use web application.
• Color pencils/markers, rulers, calculators may be useful. If using for stats class or computer apps class modify Excel file, it contains answers.

Procedure

• Students should be divided into groups of four (though activity can be modified to work in smaller groups or alone).
• Provide each student with a worksheet, questions 1-7 are answered without Weddell seal pup data cards. The data cards include the data to construct graphs.

Extension

• Microsoft Excel: Students can use data to construct graphs in Excel.
• Students can insert trend lines and calculate slope and y-intercept and interpret what each means. Slope being growth rate and y-intercept, being predicted size at birth.
• Statistics students can evaluate if these equations are “acceptable” and support their claim with evidence.

Transferability

Data can be used to build models of Weddell seal pups growing.

Resources

• Additional information about Weddell seals along with maps where data were collected can be found at https://icyseals.com/education
• Lesson Materials include data, graphs, trendlines, and R2 values.

Assessment

Student worksheets including graph construction will be assessed.

Author/Credits

Bridget Ward, PolarTREC Teacher 2019 Springfield Central High School Springfield, MA bridgetlward [at] yahoo.com

Dr. Heather Liwanag California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA hliwanag [at] calpoly.edu