Project A: Collecting Data on Extinct Animals Due to the Impact of Global Warming
The main objective of this project is to gather data before and after 1900 on the various species that have gone extinct in order to analyze the impact of climate change on these animals and determine the most affected species. To collect data on extinct animals, you need to utilize various sources such as biodiversity databases, academic papers, government reports, and conservation organizations' data.
As a group, complete the following steps:
- Selection of data collection method. The students will determine the most appropriate data collection method based on the research topic and available resources. This could include observational techniques, transactional data, surveys, experimental data, or web scraping. The method chosen should allow for the collection of reliable and relevant data on extinct animals.
- Independent research on reliable sources of data. Each student will conduct independent research to locate credible sources of data on animal extinctions.
- Data organization into a table format. Using the collected information, students will create a table to present data on the distribution and causes of animal extinctions per continent. The table will include columns for the animal's common name, scientific name, date of extinction, continent, and primary reason for extinction. Table 2.10 provides an example.
Common Name Scientific Name Date of Extinction Continent Primary Reason for Extinction Passenger pigeon Ectopistes migratorius 1914 North America Overhunting Quagga Equus quagga 1883 Africa Habitat loss Table 2.10 Project A Required Data and Example - Collaborative data cleaning. Students will work together to clean the collected data, identifying and addressing any missing or duplicate information. They will also ensure that the data is standardized, allowing for accurate analysis and comparison.
- Data storage determination. In this step, the students will determine the storage size of the collected data, taking into consideration the amount of information gathered from various sources. They will also decide on the most efficient and accessible way to store the data, ensuring all group members have access to it for further analysis and collaboration.
- Source citation. As part of the data collection process, students will document and list all the sources used to gather information on extinct animals. This will ensure proper credit is given to the original sources and allow for further verification of the data.
Project B: Data Collection Using Experimental Technique
Your group project will involve recording temperature changes at a specific location over the course of 24 hours. This project will be completed in subgroups, with each group member responsible for recording data during a specific time segment of the day. Before beginning your research, your group will select a location to observe. (This could be a park, a city street, a backyard, or any other outdoor location. It is important that the location is accessible and allows for consistent monitoring throughout the day.) Each subgroup will be responsible for recording temperature data for a six-hour time period. The first subgroup will record data from midnight to 6 a.m., the second subgroup from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., the third subgroup from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the fourth subgroup from 6 p.m. to midnight.
It is crucial that each subgroup records data at the exact same time each day in order to maintain consistency. During the data collection process, it is important for each subgroup to maintain the same surrounding conditions. This includes using the same tools, such as a thermometer, and staying in the same location throughout the time period. Any uncontrolled changes or errors should be noted and recorded to ensure accuracy in the data.
Repeat this process for seven days to gather a sufficient amount of data, and once all the data has been collected, calculate the average temperature for each time segment of the day by adding up all the recorded temperatures and dividing by the number of data points.
Once all data has been collected, the group will come together to analyze and graph the temperature changes over the course of 24 hours. This will allow for a visual representation of the temperature patterns throughout the day.
Discuss potential sources of error and ways to improve the data collection process in the future. Then summarize the collected data process, present the project to the rest of the group, and discuss any insights or lessons learned from the data collection process.