The purpose of this WebQuest module is to create a project that provides
a scientific application and reason to study certain mathematical topics.
The scientific focus is the issue of deer overpopulation in a local forest
preserve. The mathematical concepts can be applied at either an Algebra
I, Algebra II, or a Discrete Mathematics level. Students need an understanding
of either recursion relations or matrices in order to complete this module.
The students will be collecting data about deer density and acreage from various Internet sources. It is up to the teacher to determine the age distribution of the deer as well as the survival and birth rates. Teachers can either research or make up the distribution and rate information themselves or have the students research it on their own.
Author's Note: The developer's of this WebQuest are currently in the process of contacting Greene Valley Forest Preserve to obtain actual data on their deer population. However, even upon obtaining this information, it may not give the distribution of deer within age groupings which is necessary for the Leslie Model.
On Day 4, the students will be predicting the effect of their committee's solutions on the deer population. The best way to handle these numbers will depend on the level of student. Our suggestion if using the Leslie Model is to have the teacher create different numerical data for each group. They can then take the information and create a new Leslie Matrix to predict the effect of their solution.
Although the WebQuest is designed to be covered in six days, teachers should use their own judgment and meet the needs of their students by allowing for flexibility in the schedule. This may also be accomplished by allowing only six classroom periods but additional time outside of the classroom. Therefore, day six in our schedule does not necessarily need to be the very next day after day five. We would envision a day or two for revisions (outside of the classroom) before the presentations begin.