This case study focuses on survivorship curves and population models by examining a case about loggerhead turtles. The case starts off with a story about how beach visitors must follow certain rules to not disturb native turtles and nesting behavior. Students watch a video that shows how biologists moved sea turtle nests after the BP Oil spill in 2010. From there, students learn about reproductive strategies (R -strategists and K-strategists), logistic growth curves, limiting factors and carrying capacity. This study can be substituted for a traditional lecture on the topics, though instructors will need to pause and discuss certain concepts throughout the case.
Grade Level: 10-12 | Time Required: 1.5 – 2 hours
HS-LS2-1 Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
HS-LS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
HS-LS2-7 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.*
Sylvia Trudeau
Do you have an answer key to the Case Study: Loggerhead Turtles and Population Models? Everything I find in a google search has different questions and data tables from this site. Any suggestions?
Admin
I changed it because there were too many keys floating around online. I’m reluctant to distribute a new one.
Cassie Kovarik
Is there a google doc version of this? I’m trying to convert it but I’m really struggling.
Admin
This is an OLD document I haven’t used in a while, probably needs an update. I converted it to docs for the “modern days.” If you want to edit, just make a copy for your own drive. I’ll probably look at updating this one sometime. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rpN4dM7p5eWU5wvhZYcCXaZSsq2sQEsuIogXjoGvjnA/edit?usp=sharing
Priscilla Cundy
Hello, do you have an answer key for the Case Study: Loggerhead Turtles and Population Models? Thank you!
Admin
I do not have an answer key for that one, but I will put it on my to-do list.
Andre
have u made a answer key yet i really need it
Admin
That’s on my list, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.
Layla Shuayb
Hi, Is there a key I can purchase on tpt for the loggerhead turtles activity?
Virginia
No answer key please-
I struggle to keep students from googling answers and finding answer keys instead of thinking through the learning materials. So I vote NOT to post an answer key 🙂
Caroline
Hi – The QR code goes to the homepage of National Geographic. I tried searching for the video using terms from the description. Can you please share a direct link to the video? Thank you so much!
Admin
Here’s a direct link. I adjusted it on the doc. I think natgeo moved the video at some point: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/100723-us-oil-spill-turtle-relocation-vin-video