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Where Did the Seals Go?

Basic Research Question 9: How has the seal population in Fishers Island Sound changed over time?

Project Oceanology students have been counting seals in Fishers Island Sound for 30 years! Do you think the same seals come back year after year? Do you think we see the same number of seals every year? Think about things that might cause more or fewer seals to live to Long Island Sound.

Part A: Prediction and Reasoning

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

1. Make a prediction:  Do you think the number of seals visiting Long Island Sound has changed since 1990? Do you think it will change in the future? Do you think the number of seals is increasing, decreasing or staying the same?

2. Explain your reasoning:  WHY do you think that the number of seals we observe would  or would not change over a long period of time?

Part B: Analyze the Data

 Look at the dataset below.  On your piece of paper, illustrate the data by making a graph.  

Where did the seals go_BRQ9_Table2.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 seals and tides.

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.  Based on today’s date, does your data point (20 seals) or your friend’s data point (200+) fit the pattern for this month?

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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