IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER WEBQUEST JOURNAL
Introduction
After reading the preliminary information on the Introduction page, answer the following questions:
1. What is the scientific question being pursued?
2. How is scientific data collected?
3. Whose eyes are we looking through when we read this information?
The Task: Identifying the Problem
After familiarizing yourself with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, describe some basic characteristics of the bird.
4. What does it look like?
5. Where was it historically found and what does it eat?
6. What were the causes of the decline and possible extinction of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
After reading the news releases about the rediscovery and the debate that has emerged (sections II, III and IV), respond to the following questions:
7. What are the primary issues that scientists are debating?
8. What is the argument for not accepting the bird as an Ivory-billed? In what ways is their argument compelling or not compelling?
9. What do you need to know that would help you evaluate the evidence being presented?
The Process: Evaluating the Evidence
Argument: “Ivory-Billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) Persists In Continental North America
10. What is the credibility of the Big Woods Conservation Partnership?
Organizing the Data
In the section below, describe the data sources as well as how the data were collected and analyzed. Repeat the following steps for all the data sources you believe are important to this debate.
11. What are the diagnostic features that the Big Woods Conservation Partnership suggests identify the bird in the video as an Ivory-billed Woodpecker?
12. Compile the following information in the data table below: What are their data sources (what counts as data)? How was data collected? How was the data Analyzed?
Big Woods Conservation Partnership
Data Source / Data Analysis Process / Interpretation of the data by the Research Team13. Write the story of the data. What patterns exist in the data? What counts as evidence for their claim?
14. Synthesizing the data analysis: Do you feel the evidence is conclusive or inconclusive? What are the strengths and limitations of the data? How compelling is the evidence for the rediscovery of the IBWP?
Counter Argument: Comment On “Ivory-Billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) Persists In Continental North America”
15. What are the credentials of those opposing the findings of the Big Woods Conservation Partnership?
16. What are the primary points of argument?
17. How do Sibley, Bevier, Patten, & Elphick interpret the data? Use the table below to compile the information.
Sibley et al.
Data Source and Major Finding / Data Analysis Process / Interpretation of the data by the Research Team18. Write the story of the data. What patterns exist in the data? What counts as evidence for their claim?
19. Synthesizing the data analysis: Do you feel the evidence is conclusive or inconclusive? What are the strengths and limitations of the data? How compelling is the evidence against the rediscovery of the IBWP?
20. What was the hypothesis guiding the research? Did Sibley et al. accept or reject the hypothesis?
Response To Comment On “Ivory-Billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) Persists In Continental North America”
21. Did the Big Wood’s Conservation Partnership accept or reject the hypothesis?
22. How does the Big Woods Conservation Partnership dispute the Sibley et al. interpretation of the data?
Examine the supporting audio data by listening to the interactive analyzer.
CONCLUSIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
23. Make your own comparisons across the two arguments presented by the scientists. Which argument do you find more compelling and why?
24. Develop an evidence-based argument about the identification of the bird. Explain whether you accept or reject the claims presented by the scientist by developing a claim about whom you think presented the best argument (if anyone). Support your claim with all the supporting evidence you can identify and justify how the evidence supports your claim. Your justification should provide an explanation for your interpretation of the data and evidence.
Claim:
Evidence:
Justification:
ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATIONS
25. Consider everything you have learned about the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the ways in which science is practiced. Reflect upon what is missing or what is needed, and develop an alternative explanation for the sighting and subsequent lack of sightings since 2005.
Webquest Reflection
1. What did you learn about how scientists practice science from this WebQuest?
2. What did you learn about evaluating scientific data as a result of engaging in this WebQuest?
3. Discuss the role of verifiable evidence in science.
4. After completing this WebQuest, what does "evidence-based explanation" mean to you?
5. Discuss your ideas about how scientific knowledge is generated in light of this WebQuest.
6. Consider the WebQuest as a learning tool. How did the web-based information enrich your learning and understanding about the target ideas?
7. In what ways did the structure of the WebQuest support or inhibit your ability to navigate and/or understand the scientific material?
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