Curated OER
Random Sampling
For this random sampling worksheet, learners compare data collected by a random sample to data collected by an actual count using pieces of paper with numbers written on them. They compare their data for the actual count to the random...
Curated OER
Mark, Recapture, Sampling
Learners conduct a simulation to explore how scientists estimate the size of animal populations. They analyze a random sample and then extrapolate those results to a larger population. Additionally, they will apply the principals of...
Curated OER
Galaxy Hunter - A Cosmic Photo Safari
Space science stars journey through our night sky and take virtual photos of galaxies to investigate simple random samples. Higher math is used to analyze the data collected. Copy the evaluation/assessment questions onto a handout...
Biology Corner
Random Sampling
Simulate a random sampling of data by tearing 20 sheets of paper into slips and place a number on 10 and a letter on 10. They place the slips in two separate containers and randomly draw a number and a letter. They record their...
Biology Junction
Population Genetics
Genetic variation shows the health of a population, yet cheetahs show very little variation over that last 10,000 years. Scholars learn the importance of genetic variation in populations after viewing an informative presentation. It...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Random Samples: Estimating Population
With this estimating populations assignment, your class will learn about taking random population samples and calculating the average number of species in the samples to estimate the total population. Students use the given data to find...
Curated OER
Surveys and Samples
In this surveys and samples worksheet, students discover data collection techniques and write their own survey questions. Students use random sampling, convenience sampling, and systemic sampling and analyze their results.
Curated OER
Hypothesis Testing: Two Sample Tests
Students experiment and compare results of two populations. In this men and women populations instructional activity, students examine the difference in hand span for men and women. Students calculate a norm based on their...
Curated OER
Annual Wetland Plant Diversity Survey
High schoolers locate an area of marsh and, by measuring the total number of individual plants in a sample area, determine whether purple loosestrife population density is correlated to the total plant diversity of the community. They...
Curated OER
From Restriction Maps to Cladograms
Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this lesson with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the DNA maps....
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Got Lactase? The Co-Evolution of Genes and Culture
Does the human body evolve as quickly as human culture? With a stellar 15-minute video, explore the trait of lactose intolerance. Only about 1/3 of human adults seem to still have the enzyme lactase and therefore, the ability to digest...
Curated OER
Activity 3: Using Photo Images to Explore Life on the Ocean Floor
Learners work in groups with copies of the three photo images provided with the lesson. They make observations about mussels and clams. Students discuss reasons scientists use a representative sample of a population rather than the...
Curated OER
Catch, Tag, and Release
Learners discover how fish tagging is used by marine biologists and fisheries to estimate fish populations. Participating in a simulation, students use estimation to determine the whole population from a small number of items.
Curated OER
Questioning NASA
Space science and math collide in this inquiry that investigates launching times for antacid-tablet rockets! Upper elementary or middle school learners collect data as they launch these mini rockets. They apply concepts of place value...
Nuffield Foundation
Biodiversity in Your Backyard!
Take your enthusiastic ecologists outdoors to explore the biodiversity right in their own schoolyard! In preparing for this activity, it may be worthwhile to research websites with local flora to help in the plant identification...
Curated OER
Mussel Ecology
Students are introduced to the marine environment of the mussel. The emphasis of the lesson is upon what human factors are present to influence the environment in positive and negative ways. They brainstorm in groups in order to conduct...
Curated OER
Brays Bayou Spiderwort Genetic Study
Students formulate hypothesis based upon data gathered by examining possible crosses of spiderworts using Punnett squares. They present explanations for physiological adaptations of spiderworts that resulted from interactions within the...
Curated OER
CATCH, TAG and RELEASE
Students apply estimation strategies for problem-solving purposes. They become familiar with one aspect of a marine biologist's work.
Curated OER
Mystery of the Malformed Frogs Lesson Plan
Students develop an understanding of how students and volunteers can make scientific observations that can aid conservation. They read the account of the Minnesota New Country School project by Ryan Fisher, Mystery of the Malformed...
Curated OER
From Restriction Maps to Cladograms
Students develop a matrix to determine the number of differences between each set of primate species. They determine closely related organisms then complete the cladogram and answer a set of questions.
Curated OER
Insect Classification
Learners compare and contrast the visible structures of three insects based on photographs. They differentiate characteristics of crane flies, ants, and wasps then create a simple classification system.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Estimation From Random Sampling
Practice estimating wildlife population by using the process of random sampling.