Florida Panthersand the roleof wildlife corridors

LEARNING OUTCOMES-Nature of ScienceSC.912.N.4.2: Weigh the merits of alternative strategies for solving a specific societal problem by comparing a number of different costs and benefits, such as human, economic, and environmental.

LEARNING OUTCOMES-Life SciencesSC.912.L.17.8: Recognize the consequences of the losses of biodiversity due to catastrophic events, climate changes, human activity, and the introduction of invasive, non-native species.

LEARNING OUTCOMES-Language Arts Common Core

LACC.910.SL.2.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

LEARNING GOALEvaluate the potential need as

well as benefits and drawbacks of constructing wildlife corridors.

OBJECTIVE:

Discuss the costs and benefits of wildlife corridors from different points of view.

ASSESSMENTPresentation RubricPeer Review

MATERIAL LIST Field or gym to set up activity Up to 16 cones or lane markers if doing activity with 6

lanes and dividing median Color stickers to identify type of animal or vehicle

Vests, flagging tape, or flag belts work, too Dark-tinted sunglasses to simulate night driving (Such

as the plastic sunglasses given at eye exam locations) White board and markers for tracking the time it takes

panthers to cross as well as recording the number of panther kills or survivors each round

Laptop computers Town hall role cards

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS While outside – no running over each

other—be courteous. Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses if you

plan to be out more than 1 hour. When simulating night driving you need

to be extra careful about running into other students.

Have water to keep hydrated. Be mindful of the heat.

The Florida Panther Status

Engaging Questions

Engaging Questions

Panther population numbers have been decreasing drastically in Florida…

What do you think are some causes for panther deaths?

Engaging Questions

One of the causes of population decline in panthers is the number that are hit by cars each year…

How many panthers do you think have been killed on Florida roads this year? Last year?

Engaging Questions What do you think the panther

population number is today?

Some Florida Panther Facts (please go to http://www.floridapanthernet.org/index.php/pulse/#.UxJycflkRyw / to get current information)

15 panthers killed by cars in 2013

19 killed on roads in 2012Current population estimates:

only 100-160 Florida panthers remain

Soooooooo? Why should we care about such

numbers? Why should we care about panthers? What do you think could be done to

reduce Florida panther mortality? Lets do the math: 15/100 = 15% (at the

lower estimates) killed this year so far!

Soooooooo?

Lets do the math: 15/100 = 15% of the population (at the lower estimates) killed this year so far!

Let’s Explore outside!Inquiry Activity:

Panther Passage Perils Game

Explain what you learnedPropose ideas for reducing panther deaths on our roadways.

Florida panther info.Panther Posse

What are wildlife corridors?

Making ConnectionsMock Town hall Activity Discuss the costs and benefits of wildlife

corridors from different points of view.

Making ConnectionsMock Town hall Activity Different roles/viewpoints will be

assigned to student groups Use a computer or tablet for research to

provide evidence to support your views.

Making ConnectionsMock Town hall Activity After all view points have been

presented, the town council members will make the final decision about the construction of wildlife corridors.

The Viewpoints/Groups

1. Environmentalist/Conservationist – passionate viewpoint, nature 1st

2. Panther Biologist – viewpoint based on scientific research, aim is the promotion of panther population & genetic diversity

3. Landowner/developer - focus on economics, money comes 1st

The Viewpoints/Groups4. Farmer/Rancher – you don’t want

your land taken away, protection of livestock

5. Chamber of Commerce – what is the impact on your community, i.e. taxes

6. Town council members – weigh all viewpoints and make final decision on wildlife corridors

REFLECTION What were your initial thoughts about

wildlife corridors? Did your viewpoint/understanding of

wildlife corridors change? If so then…. How did it change? What were the causes for the change?