Population Regulation in the Serengeti

In this activity, students learn about the factors that regulate the population sizes of wildebeest and buffalo in Serengeti National Park.

Throughout the activity, students watch clips from the short film Serengeti: Nature’s Living Laboratory featuring scientists involved in this research. They also examine and analyze authentic scientific data for these populations. At the end, students apply what they learned to other populations of their choosing. 

This activity can be conducted in large classes as an interrupted case study by using the accompanying “Slide Deck,” which contains links to the film clips and clicker questions to assess and develop students’ understanding. Alternatively, students can complete the accompanying “Student Handout” on their own or in small groups. The handout has the same links and questions as in the slides.