Zoo Mathematics

Description: Given specifications for the construction of a zoo and a selection of animals from which to choose, students will construct a scale model of a zoo. Each cage must hold a designated number of animals and should provide habitats similar to those of the animals' native ranges. Students can opt to build larger cages and other income generating zoo attractions as long as they stay within the budget.

Major Objectives:

• To apply knowledge of area, perimeter, volume, and budget
• To learn about the habitats of different animals as well as relationships between animals of different species
• To increase research skills using the Internet
• For students to work cooperatively to achieve a goal

Concepts:

• area, perimeter, volume
• budget and money management
• animal habitats/compatibility

Teacher Background:

This lesson is adapted from a lesson developed by the Miami Museum of Science and Technology. Students need to see the relevance of mathematics. The ability to understand the relationship between mathematics and other content areas, and using technological resources to gather information to aid in the decision-making process, are important skills for all students. Databases used in the lesson are public domain and are available from the museum. Extension activities are numerous and can include surveys to determine the best location for the zoo as well as for predicting the most popular attractions.

Grade Level: 4 - 9

Materials Checklist:

• database containing animal names, minimum cage size per animal, additional cage space required per additional animal, typical number of offspring, native range and habitat
• encyclopedia on CD
• assorted everyday materials to construct a scale model of a zoo and animals
• modeling clay
• laserdiscs such as, "The National Zoo: The Zoo Behind the Zoo" (Smithsonian Laserdisc Collection/Lumivision)
• spreadsheet of construction costs

Time Required: at least 10 hours depending on the depth of the project

Activities and Procedures:

1. Prepare and distribute the zoo specifications, a list of potential zoo animals, and a budget (i.e. model zoo must fit within an area no greater than 2 square meters, walkways must be at least 1 meter wide, must have a veterinarian, restrooms )

2. Demonstrate the spreadsheet used for determining construction costs

3. Have students watch the laserdisc, The National Zoo, to determine the focus of their zoo as well as to plan for needed facilities

4. If desired, have students develop, administer, and analyze a survey to determine the best zoo location, animals to be housed in the zoo, and other desired attractions

5. Have students use the Internet and other resources to learn about other zoos and to communicate with people in relevant fields

6. Students select animals for their zoo and write a rationale for their selections

7. Students determine other attractions/facilities and estimate potential income generated from them

8. Students contact animal rights groups to get views on cage sizes

9. Students maintain spreadsheet on projected and actual construction costs

10. Students determine an appropriate scale and begin zoo construction

11. Students compare their zoos with those of their classmates

Assessment:

Criteria should be established prior to beginning the lesson. Students will be assessed based on how well their project meets the criteria. For example, the project stayed within the allocated budget, cage sizes meet the minimum standard, and the habitats will support the well being of the animal. The criteria can be decided upon by the teacher or this can be a class activity. In addition, since the students worked in cooperative groups, group members can decide on criteria for evaluating each other (actively participated in all planning sessions, submitted work on time...).