Estimating Populations Kit Check Availability

Students receive firsthand experience using the mark/recapture method of counting a population, a technique often used by ecologists and wildlife biologists. First, students capture individuals in their simulated population and “tag” them. Then the organisms are released back into the population. After multiple trials of marking and releasing, students mathematically predict the size of the population. Lastly, students count the actual population and determine the reliability of the mark/recapture technique. Includes 3,500+ pop beads and complete teaching instructions. This kit contains enough materials for 30 students working in pairs. All materials are reusable.

Materials included:

• 3000 plastic beads, blue
• 750 plastic beads, yellow
• Population worksheet (see additional file)

Materials required but not included:

• 1 container per group such as 600-mL beaker, jar, bowl, or shoe box

Find the complete lesson plan here.