Bald Eagles of Missouri WebQuest


By Judy Russell
Math Instructor
Poplar Bluff Junior High School
Poplar Bluff, MO

Teacher Information
This quest is geared toward math students in grades 6-8. Students will have already learned how to construct bar graphs with pencil and paper, as well as by using the "Graphs" link found under "Resources" below. Also, students will have previously used Microsoft Word to write and print a prediction based on a graph done in class. This quest utilizes NCTM Standards 1-5, 7, 8, and 10. Additionally, this quest falls under the GLE: Data and Probability, 1A and 1C. Finally, the quest includes Show-Me Standards: MA 3 2.4, 2.8; SC 3 2.4, 2.8. The project will take two 45-minute class periods to complete. Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher is necessary for all documents in the resource links to be displayed. To get a free download of the Acrobat Reader, click Here.

Introduction
Most people don't think of the value the many lakes, streams, and rivers of Missouri hold for many migrating waterfowl. Missouri ranks as one of the top states in migrating eagles. You may have heard the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words." A bar graph does just that. It is a great way to organize and display a lot of information, such as the annual eagle counts of Missouri.

Materials
For this quest, you will need a computer that has access to the Internet, Microsoft Word, computer printer, pencil, and paper.

Task
This is a quest in which you will research the Internet for data concerning bald eagles of Missouri. You will gather data of bald eagle counts from 1993-2004. Next, you will use this information and the Internet to construct, print, and submit a graph. After printing the graph, be sure to include your name and hour, as well as a prediction as to what you think the eagle count will be in 2007 (use a complete sentence)

Resources
Eagle Facts
Graphs

Additional Data
Here is some additional data you will need that was gathered from the Missouri Conservationist as well as the local newspaper, The Daily American Republic.
2003-04: 2545 eagles
2002-03: 2214 eagles
2001-02: 2684 eagles

Process

Day 1:

1. Research the above resources, including the given additional data information, to find how many eagles were counted in Missouri from 1993 to 2004.

2. Construct a bar graph of this data, again, using the resource links provided above. In your graph, use only the ending year of each count. The bar graph should contain a title, as well as labels.

3. After the graph is completed, print and submit it. Make sure it includes your name, date, and hour.

Day 2:

4. Use Microsoft Word to write a report. The length of the report is not as important as is its content. Include in the report what you predict eagle counts in Missouri will be in 2009, based on the graphed data. Make sure to include a rationale for your prediction.

5. After the report is completed, save, print, and submit it. Be sure to include your name, date, and hour on the Microsoft Word document.

Conclusion
In this activity, you will use the Internet as a data source for a graphing activity. You will be connecting real-world science and math to make an analysis and representation of the data. You will use your reasoning skills to make a prediction based on the data, and will communicate your conclusions in a written report.

Assessment (for teacher use)
Scoring guide for graph:
5 pts- all bars are correct, as well as an appropriate graph title and an appropriate label for both axes
4 pts- all bars are correct, as well as an appropriate graph title and an appropriate label for one axis is given
3 pts- four or more bars are correct and an appropriate graph title is used
2 pts- four or more bars are correct
1 pt- fewer than four bars are correct
0 pts- graph not turned in

Scoring guide for written report:
4 pts- complete sentences are used and prediction is reasonable for data graphed; a reasonable rationale for graphed data is included.
3 pts- prediction is reasonable for data graphed and a reasonable rationale for graphed data is included.
2 pt- prediction and rationale are given
1 pt- a prediction or rationale is given
0 pts- report not turned in