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The Great Elephant Census

Topic
  • Ecology
  • Populations
  • Environmental Science
  • Conservation
Resource Type
  • Videos
  • Scientists at Work
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Duration
00:08:23
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Favorited By
22 Users
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Description

This video follows the work of scientists conducting the first census of African savanna elephants in over 40 years and the methods they are using to obtain accurate, up-to-date numbers across the continent.

African elephants are threatened by habitat loss and poaching related to the ivory trade. Conservation groups estimate that as many as 100 elephants are killed each day, so it is critically important to determine how many elephants remain and where they are located. Scientists involved in the Great Elephant Census project (founded and managed by philanthropist Paul G. Allen) are conducting aerial surveys across millions of square kilometers to obtain accurate elephant census data. This video describes the strip transect sampling method they are using and how elephants are counted.  

The accompanying “Student Worksheet” incorporates concepts and information from the video.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.

Student Learning Targets
  • Learn about research practices.
  • Develop scientific explanations and justify claims using evidence.
  • Calculate elephant density with sample aerial survey data using the strip transect sampling method.
Details
Estimated Time
One 50-minute class period to complete the associated handouts.
Key Terms

aerial survey, census data, conservation, habitat loss, poaching, savanna, scientific methodology, scientific process, transect sampling

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

This resource and the accompanying documents comply with accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 06.09.16
Date Updated 10.19.17
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6; HS-LS2.A, HS-LS4.C, HS-ESS3.C; SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-4.A, ENE-4.B, SYI-3.F, SYI-3.G; SP4, SP5

IB Biology (2016)

C.1, C.4

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.A, VII.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.1, 3.4

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7, ELA.WHST.9-12.1
Math.A-REI.3; MP2, MP3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5; DP1, DP2

Materials
HD (M4V) 325 MB
HD (WMV) 265 MB
SD (M4V) 71 MB
SD (WMV) 72 MB
Transcript (PDF) 137 KB
Student Worksheet (PDF) 846 KB

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