Introduction
Use this webquest to work through the real life issue on Isle Royale. The wolf and moose populations are out of balance which is causing harm to the island and could end the most studied predator-prey relationship. You and your group members will be in charge of developing a solution to this problem. To complete your task, follow along the tabs on the top of the page. Each tab provides information to guide you through this webquest as well as instructions, resources, and tasks to complete. Start by reading through the introduction and work your way through each tab. Good luck, explore, and help save Isle Royale!
Task
Your Task:
Your task is to work with your group to help save Isle Royale. This island studies the natural predator-prey relationship between moose and wolves and has been studied for over 20 years. Now, however, there are currently only two wolves left on the island and over a thousand moose. This imbalance in the populations is leading to devastation across the island's ecosystem but there is much debate as to how to solve this problem. There are many different sides to the issue which is causing much debate for a solution. Not only do you have to take into consideration that the island is a National Park and human interference is discouraged, you also have to consider that the wolf population is on the verge of going extinct on the island and could end a highly studied predator-prey relationship. You and your group members will have to help the National Park as well as the devoted scientists discover a solution that is best for the island and its' inhabitants. You will be faced with the task to create a solution to solve this dilemma. You must show support for your solution through the research you will perform. Once a solution has been decided on, you will present your findings to the National Park board. This presentation can take any format you choose, just make sure it effectively shows your solution and support as well as engages your audience.
Process
1. Each member will need to take of the following roles:
Role 1: Ecologist https://illinoisstateuniversity-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amcling_ilstu_edu/Documents/Ecologist
Role 2: Geneticist https://illinoisstateuniversity-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amcling_ilstu_edu/Documents/Geneticist
Role 3: Politician https://illinoisstateuniversity-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amcling_ilstu_edu/Documents/Politician
2. For each role there is a note sheet that is linked. Follow the instructions for your role and complete the note sheet as you read through the provided articles. Focus on information for your role that will help create a solution. You must find at least one source on your own and cite it in MLA format on your note sheet.
3. Once all group members have completed their research and taken all the notes they need, everyone will come together and share the information that they discovered. Based on all group member's findings, develop a solution that will best solve the Isle Royale dilemma.
4. After a solution has been developed and support has been identified, create your final presentation together. This will be what you present to the National Park board along with the dedicated scientists that have invested their life in the research of Isle Royale. Make sure your presentation is put together nicely and engages your audience as well as thoroughly describes your solution for the island and has support. Each role must be covered in your presentation. This means that your solution should include some reasoning from the ecologist, geneticist, and politician point of view.
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on the thoroughness of your expert note sheet, your solution and support for your solution, and final presentation. I have attached a rubric that will show you how you will be evaluated.
Conclusion
The National Park board and scientists thank you for all the hard work you have done to create a solution for Isle Royale! Your research and problem solving skills have saved many more hours of research and debate by the board and scientists and have now created hope for the island's inhabitants. With a solution set in place, we hope that the island and moose and wolf populations will recover and regain its balance. This problem could not have been solved without your help, thank you!
Teacher Page
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