Saving the Bald Eagle

If one is developing a plan for recovery of an endangered species which start with a population of, say, 200 animals, and projects a growth in population each year of "10 animals", then the population, P, will be related to the number of years that pass, t, by this equation:

P = 10t + 200

Develop a plan to recover an endangered species, based on linear and non-linear projections.

Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra—Coordinate Systems; Patterns, Relations and Functions; Linear Equations and Functions
Grades: 6 – 12
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can plot a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system, given the coordinates, or determine the coordinates of a given point
- Can relate aspects of a graphical model to the real world situation which is being modeled
- Understands that linear functions are characterized by the fact that the ratio of change in independent variable to change in dependent variable is constant
- Can determine the equation of a linear function that closely matches a set of points (optional)

Download Teacher Guide: Saving the Bald Eagle (PDF)
Download Student Lesson: Saving the Bald Eagle (PDF)

CheetahsCheetahs:

To help save an endangered species like the cheetah, you must start by understanding its behavior. Only the brave need apply for this job, however, because this kind of biological study is up close and personal.
Running time 2:08 minutes.

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