Subject Areas Science Duration 42-minute class period Setting Classroom Skills Reading comprehension, computation, mathematical reasoning Charting the Course Relating a short story about shorebird migration to mathematical calculations is a unique approach to this topic. The shorebird migration and the horseshoe crab connection is a significant component of the Down Jersey region and deserves in-depth investigation, study and understanding by the students that reside within the area. Vocabulary Migration,extinct, arachnids, population Correlation to NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards Mathematics: 4.1 (5,6), 4.2 (1,4,5), 4.3 (6,7), 4.4 (3,7,10,11)

Objectives
Students will be able to:

1. Develop mathematical formulas
2. Solve mathematical problems
3. Explain their solution steps
4. Explain reasons why the answer is probably correct

Materials
Paper

Copy Me page 1 and 2

Pencils

Background
Review the answer sheet.

Additional activities on shorebirds and horseshoe crabs contained in this guide.

Procedure

Warm Up

Read the Migration Math

Copy Me page 1. This can be done aloud using round robin or popcorn reading. Explain that the students will be doing math problems based on the story.

The Activity

Distribute Go Figure (Copy Me page 2). Students should solve the problems showing their formulas and computation calculations.

Wrap Up

Go over the problems. Students should be able to give reasons why they think their answers are correct.

Assessment

Collect Go Figure sheets. Check for understanding of directions to show formulas, calculations, and answer check.

Extensions

Call the Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) at (609)292-9400 and ask for the actual data for the shorebird migration for the current year. Apply the mathematical formulas to the data. Hypothesize about the trends in the number of migrating shorebirds.

Please download the PDF for the complete Lesson Plan packet.

Resources New Jersey Audubon Society, Center for Research and Education 600 Route 47 North Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Phone: (609) 861-0700 Fax: (609) 861-1651 Visit their website at www.njaudubon.org/ Wetlands Institute 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1424 Phone: (609) 368-1211 Fax: (609) 368-3871 Visit their website at www.wetlandsinstitute.org Endangered and Nongame Species Program P.O. Box 400 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone: (609) 292-9400 Visit the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife website at www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw