Animal Tracking
Overview:
Using actual satellite telemetry data from tagged animals, students will plot the coordinates on a tracking map and compare the movement of the animals.
Objectives:
Students will be able to…
- …plot and graph data.
- …analyze data.
Materials:
- Research materials
- Tracking Maps (Can be obtained from Internet such as from Journey North http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/MapRegions.html or local weather stations)
- Tracking Data (Tracking data for seals can be obtained from http://www.alaskasealife.org/master/animal_tracking/index.html.)
| Point No. | Date | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
10/16/01 |
59,50N |
149.51W |
2 |
10/18/01 |
59.51N |
149.50W |
3 |
10/20/01 |
59.50N |
149.50W |
4 |
10/22/01 |
59.51N |
149.51W |
5 |
10/26/01 |
59.50N |
149.51W |
6 |
10/30/01 |
59.51N |
149.00W |
7 |
11/05/01 |
59.51N |
149.33W |
8 |
11/29/01 |
59.51N |
149.52W |
9 |
12/09/01 |
59.51N |
149.51W |
10 |
12/11/01 |
59.51N |
149.51W |
11 |
12/29/01 |
59.50N |
149.49W |
12 |
01/10/02 |
59.47N |
149.46W |
http://www.alaskasealife.org/master/animal_tracking/data_margarita.html
Procedure:
- Locate appropriate regional map.
- Have students plot data onto maps.
- Study the life cycle and habitat of a harbor seal. How does this compare to its movement?
Extensions:
- Have students investigate the biography of the animals they are tracking. For the seals this is available on the Alaska SeaLife Center website. Students can also create fictional stories describing the adventure of the animals along their journeys.
- Research the technology of satellite tracking.
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