Population Dynamics

Population Dynamics

Author: EcoSchools Canada (Karen Ing and Dan Kozlovic at the University of Toronto)
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Season: Any
Lesson Length: 2-5 hours
Topics: Math, Biology, Species Populations

Description: 

The population dynamics of an ecosystem and the determination of the current state of a species population dictate whether or not a species is ‘’at risk’’. Conducting a population census is one method ecologists use to evaluate the state of a species. Once a population is deemed at risk, recovery efforts can range from habitat restoration to relocation to the management of other species such as predators. Each of these efforts can itself impact the population dynamics of species other than the one they are intended to benefit.

Materials:

• Notebooks
• Pencils
• Species and Object Count (in lesson plan)

Curricular Connections

Math

Grade 9 – Big Ideas
Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.

Grade 10 – Big Ideas
Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Representing and analyzing situations allows us to notice and wonder about relations.
Workplace Mathematics: Representing and analyzing data allows us to notice and wonder about relationships

Grade 11 – Big Ideas
Foundations of Mathematics 11: Statistical analysis allows us to notice, wonder about, and answer questions about variation
Workplace Mathematics 11: Representing and analyzing data allows us to notice and wonder about relationships

Science

Environmental Science 11 – Big Ideas
Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems