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...

Young scholars examine how populations grow and how invasive species can affect the balance of ecosystems. They simulate the growth of lily pads, analyze and record the data, and simulate the results of an invasive species on an ecosystem.

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...

Help learners discover methods to estimate animal population. They will participate in a simulation of catching and tagging fish in order to estimate the fish population. They scoop and count goldfish crackers, record data, and use...

Seventh graders simulate the capture-recapture method of population sampling using beans. In this biology instructional activity, 7th graders calculate the total population of beans in the bowl. They assess whether this method is...

Students read "Public Is Wary but Supportive on Rights Curbs," at the New York Times online. They explore how opinion polls are created and conducted, focusing on the wording of questions and the methods of sampling a population.

Learners use their math skills to develop estimates for the population of several animal species native to the Austrailian rainforest. It is a simulation that researchers at the Center for Rainforest Studies in Australia perform to...

Seventh graders use paper bags and crackers to simulate a wildlife sampling of salmon. They record data on spreadsheets and determine a formula to estimate salmon populations.

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...

If a random sample determines that 45% of learners favor block scheduling, is it possible that the actual percentage might be 50% or 60%? In this task, learners use data from a computer-generated simulation to determine the plausibility...

How quickly do animals evolve? Can comparing different samples of the same fossil answer timeline questions? Scholars use virtual labs to examine fossils and learn about stickleback evolution. They compare pelvic morphology in lakes...

This is an effective simulation of how communicable diseases such as AIDS can be spread throughout a population. Classmates exchange samples from their individual cups of liquid: one of them containing a dilute NaOH solution, and the...

Learners define sample, describe a random sample, and discuss what compromises a sample. They determine a sample size to estimate a population characteristic with confidence.

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.

Ninth graders explain the purpose of MPA's. In this biology lesson, 9th graders identify MPA's in Southern California. They simulate coastal sampling using candy from two buckets. Students analyze their results and share it with the class.

Students investigate marine life by researching aquatic organisms on the Internet. In this oceanography lesson plan, students monitor algae and animals of the ocean by identifying their population and habitat on data sheet ID cards....

Eighth graders use goldfish crackers to simulate a capture-recapture method of data collection. They fill in a chart and determine the averages. They find the estimated population of fish and the actual population of fish based on the...

Students use data from simulations to make theoretical generalizations. They discuss possible relationships between several given events and gain understanding about their own mathematical intuition about likelihood.

Fourth and fifth graders explore soil by taking a simulated field trip under the earth. They go to an Internet site that runs a simulation which charges them with finding a source of pollution that could destroy all of Earth's soil, and...

Middle schoolers explore geography and culture of Canada. They play game that involves reviewing materials and answering questions about Canada, and create posters and brochures about life in Canada.

Learners determine how evidence gained from a simulated test for the presence of pesticide residues can be used to determine risk. They use peas to simulate pesticide residue testing.

Students study geography. In this geographic terms lessons, students compare the continents based on their different features. They work as a class to put the continents in order from least to greatest based on the different geographic...

Students apply estimation strategies for problem-solving purposes. They become familiar with one aspect of a marine biologist's work.

Students explain why some colonists remained loyal to England during the American revolution. In this social studies lesson, students write a letter to an editor about their reasons for remaining loyal to England.