Activity Overview
Students will utilize features of the TI-Navigator to examine changes in the nutria population, vegetation density, and loss of marshes in the wetlands of Louisiana. A LearningCheck assessment follow the activity.
Before the Activity
See the attached teacher and student documents for background information and instructions for this activity.
Print and copy the research article and student activity document.
Start a class with TI-Navigator and ask the students to login.
Transfer data files to student calculators (ActivityB.act).
During the Activity
Students will:
Use data from the Nutria-Marsh Loss Model created by Dr. Jacoby Carter, a scientist at the USGS National Wetlands Research Center
Examine the changes in the nutria population, vegetation density, and marsh area over time in the wetlands of Louisiana
Graph and analyze the effects of nutria on marsh loss with the TI-73 Explorer
Directions:
Distribute the research article and activity document to the class.
Discuss the research article.
Follow the procedures outlined in the student activity document.
After the Activity
Use TI-Navigator to send the LearningCheck examination.