This brief activity acquaints students with rough estimation through problem solving and discussion. This task works especially well as a warm-up in the first meeting of a small class. Though the task is written around the case of national debt, a list of alternative cases is provided.
This exam consists of five multipart questions related to the biodiversity materials presented in Frontiers of Science. The document provided here contains the questions and associated figures, while the answers are provided in a separate document. Each question requires students to apply their understanding of both content and the scientific habits of mind learned in the biodiversity unit. (Note: We provide the exam questions and answers to guide instructors in designing their own assessments. Since this Web site is freely accessible to anyone, including students, we recommend revising these questions to suit your own course content.)
This exam consists of five multipart questions related to the biodiversity materials presented in Frontiers of Science. The document provided here contains answers, while the full questions and associated figures are provided in a separate handout-ready document. Each question requires students to apply their understanding of both content and the scientific habits of mind learned in the biodiversity unit. (Note: We provide the exam questions and answers to guide instructors in designing their own assessments. Since this Web site is freely accessible to anyone, including students, we recommend revising these questions to suit your own course content.)
In this assignment, students will consider the effects of invasive species on ecosystems, and look at population dynamics in predator-prey relationships. In examining data from previous studies, students will apply their understanding of graphical displays of data and of statistical concepts (mean, standard deviation, variance, correlation, significance) to interpret research findings. This document serves as a student handout; an answer key is provided in an accompanying document.
In this assignment, students will consider the effects of invasive species on ecosystems and look at population dynamics in predator-prey relationships. In examining data from previous studies, students will apply their understanding of graphical displays of data and of statistical concepts (mean, standard deviation, variance, correlation, significance) to interpret research findings. This document serves as an answer key; a student handout is provided in an accompanying document.
This assignment requires students to consider data related to diversity in local animal populations. Students will apply their understanding of samples, populations, and statistics to data from several different published studies of biodiversity. This document serves as an answer key; a student handout is provided in an accompanying document.
This assignment requires students to read and interpret Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagrams, showing the correlation between a star's temperature and its luminosity. Students will also gain experience with estimating the magnitude of error, identifying sources of error, identifying the limitations of particular methods of measurement, and interpreting logarithmic scales.
This assignment requires students to read and interpret Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagrams, showing the correlation between a star's temperature and its luminosity. Students will also gain experience with estimating the magnitude of error, identifying sources of error, identifying the limitations of particular methods of measurement, and interpreting logarithmic scales.