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Where Did the Seals Go?

Basic Research Question 6: How does the weather affect the number of seals observed?

Harbor Seals spend the winter in Fishers Island Sound, where the weather can be mild or harsh, day to day. What weather would you consider harsh for seals?

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The seals in Fishers Island Sound must haul out at the Clumps and Hungry Point to rest, exposing them to various weather conditions. 

Part A: Prediction and Reasoning

Write answers to the following prompts on your sheet of paper.

1. Make a prediction:  During what weather conditions do you expect to see the greatest number of seals? The fewest number of seals? 

2. Explain your reasoning:  WHY do you think we would or would not see a change in the number of seals based on weather conditions?

Part B: Analyze the Data

Look at the dataset below.  On your piece of paper, illustrate the data by making a graph.  Your graph should have clear labels on both the x-axis and the y-axis.  The type of graph (scatterplot, column graph, etc) is up to you.

This table shows the number of seals we observed on randomly selected trips within each weather category.

Where did the seals go_BRQ6_Table1.png

 Part C: Interpret the Results and Make Arguments from Evidence

Write answers to the following prompts on your sheet of paper.

1. Make a claim that answers the research question (one sentence).

2. What evidence was used to write your claim?  Reference specific parts of your graph.

3. Explain your reasoning.   Make sure to connect your answer to what you have learned about the relationship between seals and the weather conditions.

4. Was your prediction supported by the results? Use evidence to explain why or why not.

5. Think back to our scenario at the beginning.  Can your results be used to explain why your friend saw several hundred seals, but you only saw 20?  Make a prediction about what might have been different between the trips.

6. How would you follow up?  Describe a new question that should be investigated to build on these results, and what future data should be collected to answer your question.

Congratulations! Your final analysis should include the following components:

  • Your answers to the two video questions

  • A statement of the research question that you chose/were assigned

  • Your prediction and your reasoning

  • Your labelled graph

  • Your answers to the results questions


Share your results with your teacher, and/or by emailing it to Project O: projecto@oceanology.org, attn: Dr. Molly

Return to "Where Did the Seals Go" landing page

**Educators and/or homeschool parents: educator guides are available for all research projects. 
Email projecto@oceanology.org to request an educator guide**

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