Population Management Math Walk
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Provided by: Gaia Scholastic|Published on: May 13, 2026
Lesson PlansScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This lesson engages students in applying math skills — including estimation, data collection, and ratio and proportion — to explore population ecology concepts in relation to prairie dogs.
- Students will walk outside to take measurements and collect data, discussing its implications.
Subjects: Mathematics
Authors: Rachel Arbor
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Preparation:
- The resource suggests finding an area to walk in with loose materials on the ground, such as sticks or rocks, a prairie dog burrow to measure, and prairie dogs to observe. If these are not attainable near school, consider setting up a nearby area ahead of time:
- Collect sticks and rocks to place in the area.
- Build four mounds to act as a prairie dog burrow, or select objects ahead of time to represent the mounds in a burrow.
- Have a video or livestream of prairie dogs for students to observe in the classroom.
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students are familiar with fractions and fraction simplification, measuring area and perimeter, and estimation.
- This lesson follows a previous lesson about prairie dogs. Teachers may want to give a brief lesson introducing students to the species.
Climate Change Connections:
- Discuss how changing climates may have an impact on prairie dog habitats and populations.
Related Resources:
- Use this video to explain how human activities threaten biodiversity and wildlife populations, such as that of the prairie dog.
In this lesson, students will learn about prairie dogs and their population changes through a variety of math problems. The lesson will explore the impact humans have had on prairie dogs and their environment and encourage students to consider ways to help protect them. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Gaia Scholastic
Gaia Scholastic's mission is to cultivate a generation of environmentally-literate global citizens by integrating nature and environmental concepts into the learning experiences of students of all ages and abilities. Gaia Scholastic supports educational organizations in weaving standards-driven, interdisciplinary Environmental Education into their work through curated curriculum, Professional Development, and with community events in which students take civic action.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
