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Where Did the Seals Go?

Basic Research Question 7: How does the Beaufort Scale affect the number of seals observed?

Before humans had an accurate way of measuring wind speed at sea, it was still necessary for different people to be able to estimate and describe the wind, water and wave conditions in a standardized way. Sir Francis Beaufort developed a guide for sea-going folk to rank the wind conditions. The version we use today is only slightly different than the one from 1805! It’s important to note that the descriptions of the water conditions are what is being recorded; the wind speed is a modern addition, and is usually an estimate.  Here’s the Beaufort Scale diagram used by Project Oceanology students:

Beaufort Scale.png

Source: delta-s.org

Zoom in on the image above for a closer view of the text.

Part A: Prediction and Reasoning

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

1. Make a prediction:  During what Beaufort Scale readings (water 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 changes in the Beaufort Scale?

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.

Where did the seals go_BRQ7_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 Beaufort Scale.

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 mjacobs@oceanology.org to request an educator guide**

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