This interactive module explores methods used to survey large animal populations, and what they have revealed about the current state of the African elephant population.
African elephants provide a powerful case study for how science can inform conservation.
Knowing how many elephants are left and where they live is important in devising strategies to protect them.
Structure and features
In this click and learn, students consider the advantages and disadvantages of different methods and approaches that scientists use to measure and monitor elephant populations.
There is an accompanying worksheet to help:
- explain why elephants are considered a keystone species
- describe the advantages and disadvantages of different survey methods
- describe changes in the range and size of African elephant populations.
Links and files
Teacher notes
- Science inquiry skills
- Biological sciences
- Year 9, year 10, Stage 1 Biology.
This interactive learning resource supports students to learn about ecology and population growth, sustainability and how to design a science investigation.
Students learn how scientists use different surveys to determine where the elephants are located, how many there are and changes in the population.
Students can choose a species range to an individual range to collect data on.
Some of the key concepts students will learn through this science investigation are the range of surveys scientists use to gather data to find answers to their questions.
Students plan, select and use appropriate investigation types, including field work and laboratory experimentation, to collect reliable data, assess risk and address ethical issues associated with these methods.
Students learn how scientists select and use appropriate equipment, including digital technologies, to collect and record data systematically and accurately.
In this particular interactive learning, students will:
- explain why elephants are considered a keystone species
- describe the advantages and disadvantages of different survey methods
- describe changes in the range and size of African elephant populations.
There are worksheets and videos in this interactive media designed to support student learning.
