Endangered Rhinos Data Graphing
Lesson Plans
Grades5, 6, 7, 8, 9Biology, Mathematics
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Provided by Science Journal for Kids
What it is
- In this lesson from Science Journal for Kids, students will learn how to use a spreadsheet application to generate graphs from data using a real dataset that shows how many Rhinos in South Africa's Kruger National Park have been poached from 2013 to 2017.
- The lesson also includes a reading extension where students will choose to read about other threats rhinos are facing or how people can save rhinos from extinction.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Using real data about an important issue highlights the real-world application of data analysis and the use of spreadsheets to create data visualizations.
- This lesson includes choice by allowing students to choose the article they read for the reading extension, which gives students a sense of autonomy and increases engagement.
Prerequisites
- This lesson was written with virtual schooling in mind but can easily be implemented in an in-person classroom.
- Teachers should note that the graphs students are working to generate are already in the spreadsheets if downloaded from the webpage. Teachers may want to make a copy of the sheet, remove the graphs, and then share the copy with students, having them make their own copy.
Differentiation & Implementation
- The reading extension invites students to choose between two related articles. Teachers can have students create a brief presentation or summary of their article to present to or switch with a partner who reads the alternative article.
- Each of the articles in the reading extension is available in Spanish. Students who are more comfortable reading in this language can be directed to the link to the Spanish article.
- After looking at data for the rhinos, students can choose a different endangered species to research and identify how people can help save them.
- After exploring this data, students can discuss how other factors, such as climate change and other human activities, are impacting animals and their habitats. Teachers can use this article to help facilitate this topic.
From the scientist review
This resource gives information about Rhino populations and lets students use the data in an Excel sheet to learn why these animals are critically endangered, as well as conservation efforts that are being made to stop Rhinos from being illegally poached. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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