1. Elk Populations in Rocky Mountain National Park Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] A WebQuest for 8th Grade (Science) Designed by Jean R. Duer [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page Do your Research Pick a Role

2. Introduction Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Pick a Role Do your Research The elk population has boomed in the last several years as the natural predators have declined some time. This has caused an unhealthy number of elk to populate the park and surrounding areas. The only factors currently controlling the population are disease and starvation. Proposed solutions have been met with varying responses from various groups. These proposed solutions include fertility management, thinning the herd with the use of sharpshooters, and wolf reintroduction. There are pros and cons to each of these “solutions.” Best Management Practices, BMPs, are the methods or techniques found to be the most effective and practical means in achieving an objective (such as preventing or minimizing population growth) while making the optimum use of the firm's (Rocky Mountain National Park) resources.

3. The Task Student Page Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Assume a position/role on the over population of elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. You are responsible to represent this group and their concerns surrounding elk populations. Every problem needs a solution. You, in your role, will research the problem, brainstorm solutions, make a flier or write a letter to the editor of the newspaper and present your position at a city council meeting. Remember though there are four different positions in your group, there is a person with the same role as you in every group and you may collaborate to be more effective in your argument. Title Pick a Role Do your Research

4. Pick a Role Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Wildlife viewer- What over- population problem? This person loves seeing the Elk. It has never gotten old or less majestic to see a bull elk in all his glory, or a cow with a calf. This person checks up on the elk regularly using binoculars and telescope off of their porch, and with more observation believes they are beginning to recognize specific elk and families, even giving a few nicknames. This person has even become known for their bugle parties, where friends from out of town come to hear the bugle of the elk. The walls of this person’s house are filled with large photographs of the very best pictures they have taken over the years, and every Christmas card sent since moving to Estes in 1997 has been of the beautiful scenery and elk. Park resource manager- This person believes something needs to be done, but what. The problem is overwhelming. This person would like to see the least obtrusive solution employed to solve the problem. Our National Parks are our National Treasures and should be kept wild. However he/ she is tired of seeing spring flora crushed by the elk and has concerns for the park visitors who take more and more risks for a photograph, or feed the heard. You have been assigned the task of public relations and education, so you have been in it up to your neck with EVERYONES concerns. Hunter- This person feels as though this animal should be open to hunting, seasonally on park grounds. The hunter has been raised on the ethical philosophies of hunting to thin a heard, and comes from a family of ranchers. He has seen the elf destroy crops and gardens large and small. This person has seen too many unhealthy looking elk and seen the health of the heard rapidly deteriorate; it pains this person to see such a waste Estes Park Resident- This person rarely visits the park, more of a business oriented, workaholic. He/ She has hit elk on two occasion causing extensive damage to their car, and has been late to work waiting for them to cross road and their own driveway, as well as having to wait for all the tourist who slow or stop for pictures. This person sees the elk population as a source of frustration, and ill management by the park. Pick a Role Do your Research

6. Process Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Pick a Role Do your Research -Do your research, and find the most valid argument in favor of your stance on elk population. -Develop these arguments. What solutions would you be most opposed to? How can you argue against these solutions? -Make your flier, it should be eye-catching and convincing, it should negate the arguments of other positions (roles). Appeal to emotion, and be based in fact, or… -Prepare your letter to the editor; your facts should be even more developed. -Finally prepare to present your position, or your roles argument to the city council and park management.

7. Conclusion Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] It is very difficult to determine the best management practices in nature. Human interference always has consequence. A thorough understanding and foresight is the best way to determine what interference will have the least costly consequence on the given population or environment. It is often a situation of trail and error and so no decision can easily be made. For extra credit give me examples of BMPs in use currently and/or other human interferences that have had dire consequence. Pick a Role Do your Research

8. Evaluation Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Pick a Role Do your Research CATEGORY 4 3 2 1 Information All information presented in the debate was clear, accurate and thorough. Most information presented in the debate was clear, accurate and thorough. Most information presented in the debate was clear and accurate, but was not usually thorough. Information had several inaccuracies OR was usually not clear. Use of Facts/Statistics Every major point was well supported with several relevant facts, statistics and/or examples. Every major point was adequately supported with relevant facts, statistics and/or examples. Every major point was supported with facts, statistics and/or examples, but the relevance of some was questionable. Every point was not supported. Organization All arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) and organized in a tight, logical fashion. Most arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) and organized in a tight, logical fashion. All arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) but the organization was sometimes not clear or logical. Arguments were not clearly tied to an idea (premise). Letter to the Editor Letter contained facts, persuasive argument, and clearly stated perspective. Letter contained some facts, some persuasive argument, perspective was clear. Letter contained very little facts or persuasive argument, perspective was unclear. Letter contained no facts, perspective was unclear and did not persuade. City Council Meeting Facts clearly stated and backed, statistics used, delivery was professional. Some facts were clear, some statistics used, delivery not very professional. Very little facts presented, no statistics to back facts, not professional. No facts or statistics used, no professionalism. Ideal Solution Presented A creative and thoughtful solution presented. Solution considered more than one point of view. A solution presented, only considered one point of view. Solution presented was not realistic, would not really provide solution. No solution provided. Overall Participation Participation and cooperation was more than evident, ideas were developed. Some cooperation and participation evident, ideas were partially developed. Very little cooperation or participation, ideas were not developed. No cooperation or participation, student did not add to the debate.

10. Elk Populations in Rocky Mountain National Park (TEACHER) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page A WebQuest for 8th Grade (Science) Designed by Jean R. Duer [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

11. Introduction (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page This was created as an assignment for the Educational Technology and Assessment class at Colorado State University. This is intended for a 8 th grade general science class as a lesson on population growth, carrying capacity and introduction to resource management The elk population has boomed in the last several years as the natural predators have declined for some time. This has caused an unhealthy number of elk to populate the park and surrounding areas. The only factors currently controlling the population are disease and starvation. Proposed solutions have been met with varying responses from various groups. These proposed solutions include fertility management, thinning the herd with the use of sharpshooters, and wolf reintroduction. There are pros and cons to each of these “solutions.” Best Management Practices, BMPs, are the methods or techniques found to be the most effective and practical means in achieving an objective (such as preventing or minimizing population growth) while making the optimum use of the firm's (Rocky Mountain National Park) resources . Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

12. Learners (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Although the activity is intended for 8 th grade science, it incorporates language skills as well, with the evaluative assignments of the flier or letter to the editor, as well as presenting skills for the city council meeting. This activity can be adjusted to suit other grades, you may use it to teach carrying capacity at even a fourth grade level, however it may be best to assist these students with the research. Students may need to be told that there has already been a adapted plan by the park on the management of the elk, but do remind them that the controversy has not ended. They should not simply agree with the parks decision unless as a group they decide based on the facts that this is the best solution. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

14. The Process (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Any science teacher can teach this lesson, as it is largely student directed. The groups should be organized ahead of time rather than having the students select friends to work with, as each of roles should be developed individually. However you may suggest that all of the “Hunters”, “Wildlife viewers” etc. meet together before the council meeting and if any of the students get stuck. This project could take several class periods to work effectively, however if you do not have the time you may have students do research and prepare for the “council’ meeting at home and devote no more than one class period to the activity. Assume a position/role on the over population of elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. You are responsible to represent this group and their concerns surrounding elk populations. Every problem needs a solution. You, in your role, will research the problem, brainstorm solutions, make a flier or write a letter to the editor of the newspaper and present your position at a city council meeting. Remember though there are four different positions in your group, there is a person with the same role as you in every group and you may collaborate to be more effective in your argument. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

15. Resources (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Students will need access to the internet you may add pertinent resources to this list, also Project Wild has some activities on carrying capacity that could be used along with or in addition to this activity Rocky Mountain News RMN 2 Denver Post National Parks Traveler National Parks Service Rocky Mountain National Park You, as the teacher, will need to be prepared to facilitate the city council meeting. You should be prepared to make this as real as possible. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

16. Evaluation (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion If you have the time you may ask students to make fliers and write the editor. This rubric is designed for the letter to the editor and council meeting. No cooperation or participation, student did not add to the debate. Very little cooperation or participation, ideas were not developed. Some cooperation and participation evident, ideas were partially developed. Participation and cooperation was more than evident, ideas were developed. Overall Participation No solution provided. Solution presented was not realistic, would not really provide solution. A solution presented, only considered one point of view. A creative and thoughtful solution presented. Solution considered more than one point of view. Ideal Solution Presented No facts or statistics used, no professionalism. Very little facts presented, no statistics to back facts, not professional. Some facts were clear, some statistics used, delivery not very professional. Facts clearly stated and backed, statistics used, delivery was professional. City Council Meeting Letter contained no facts, perspective was unclear and did not persuade. Letter contained very little facts or persuasive argument, perspective was unclear. Letter contained some facts, some persuasive argument, perspective was clear. Letter contained facts, persuasive argument, and clearly stated perspective. Letter to the Editor Arguments were not clearly tied to an idea (premise). All arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) but the organization was sometimes not clear or logical. Most arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) and organized in a tight, logical fashion. All arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) and organized in a tight, logical fashion. Organization Every point was not supported. Every major point was supported with facts, statistics and/or examples, but the relevance of some was questionable. Every major point was adequately supported with relevant facts, statistics and/or examples. Every major point was well supported with several relevant facts, statistics and/or examples. Use of Facts/Statistics Information had several inaccuracies OR was usually not clear. Most information presented in the debate was clear and accurate, but was not usually thorough. Most information presented in the debate was clear, accurate and thorough. All information presented in the debate was clear, accurate and thorough. Information 1 2 3 4 CATEGORY

18. Conclusion (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page An understanding of human impact on natural environments is essential for our students. In their future it is fair to expect that they will be faced with increasing resource management issues. This activity helps to convey the difficulty of developing management plans that satisfy the public and resolve the resource problem. It is very difficult to determine the best management practices in nature. Human interference always has consequence. A thorough understanding and foresight is the best way to determine what interference will have the least costly consequence on the given population or environment. It is often a situation of trail and error and so no decision can easily be made. For extra credit give me examples of BMPs in use currently and/or other human interferences that have had dire consequences Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion