Tioman Island Task
Name: ________________________________
Key Concept
Related Concepts
Global Context
Relationships
Science: Balance, Consequences,
Interaction
Globalization & Sustainability; Exploration:
human impact on the environment
Statement of Inquiry
The relationship between humans and the environment requires careful balance
Is tourism on Tioman Island sustainable?
Task: An Ecological Study
Background Information
The Island of Tioman is at a critical point in its tourism development. Tourism brings much needed
revenue to the island, but it also poses a dangerous hazard to the way of life of the island’s people
through the destruction of the environment, fisheries, farming, and even the long-term sustainability of
the tourist industry. You will investigate the impact of human activity on Tioman Island through your
scientific understanding.
Objective
This is where you will be using skills and knowledge from your science and mathematics subjects to
study a problem at Tioman Island. By using statistical analysis through data processing and
representation (Math) you will inquire into the relationship and impact between humans and ecosystems
(Science).
Products/Performance:
Lab Report (Design/Data Collection/Data Processing/Conclusion and Evaluation)
Assessment
Criterion B
(Science)
Criterion B: Design Lab
i. Explain a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation.
ii. Formulate a testable hypothesis and explain it using scientific reasoning.
iii. Explain how to manipulate the variables and explain how data will be collected.
iv. Design scientific investigations.
Criterion C
(Science)
Criterion C: Data Processing and Analysis
i. Present collected and transformed data
ii. Interpret data and explain results using scientific reasoning
iii. Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis based on the outcome of the scientific
investigation
iv. Evaluate the validity of the method
v. Explain improvements or extensions to the method.
ATL
Communication: language; use a variety of organizers for academic tasks
Critical Thinking Skills: evaluate evidence and arguments
Transfer Skills: combine knowledge, understanding and skills to create products and
solutions
Instructions
Criterion B: Instruction for Designing Lab Report
1. Choose one ecosystem from the following:
• Intertidal zone of the beach
• Rainforest
• Mangrove swamp
2. Dependent variable:
Investigate one factor that may change in your ecosystem due to human activity.
Examples include:
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• Population of a species. (This is ideal for species with limited to no mobility. E.g., plants, crabs,
sponges)
• Size of a species (e.g., tree height)
• Density of population (e.g., Canopy cover for trees)
3. Independent variable:
Choose a way to measure human activity. Examples include:
• Number of buildings nearby
• Number of boats
• Distance from a village
4. Decide on the controlled variables.
5. Devise a research question.
Example
Research question:
To determine the distribution in the size of crabs at different distances from the
high tide mark in a mangrove swamp and to determine if this distribution
depends on the amount of human activity.
Hypothesis:
My hypothesis is that crabs will be bigger closer to the sea (larger distance from
high tide mark) because there is more food nearer the sea. The effect of
human activity will be smaller crabs because human activity will have caused
the food supply to be less
Independent variables
• Distance from high tide mark
• Distance from boats (measure of human activity)
Dependent variables
• Size of crabs
Controlled variables
• Amount of light
• Temperature
6. Devise a method to gather your data.
Use your knowledge of the measuring techniques gone over in class:
• Transects
• Quadrats
Remember: You improve the reliability of data by conducting at least three trials.
Criterion C: Instruction for Data Collection and Processing
7. Systematically collect the raw data.
• Check that your data is sufficiently good in both quality and quantity in order to develop a good
analysis.
8. Processed Data & Sample Calculations:
• Select mathematical methods that will allow you to analyze the data effectively. This may involve
graphs, averages, and other mathematical strategies, but you will need to decide which methods
are most appropriate for your task.
9. Analysis & Discussion:
• Correctly analyze the data using your selected mathematical methods.
10. Limitations & Improvements:
• Determine the accuracy (and inaccuracy) of your data and work out how that may have affected
your results.
11. Conclusion:
• Determine the effect of human activity on your species using the scientific and mathematical
methods that you have already employed.
12. Extension:
• Decide whether your investigation shows the resort should be constructed or not.
13. You will need to write a Lab Report in class for grading.
• Use the template to take notes on your method and data collection.
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Criterion B: Inquiring and Designing
Research Question (Criterion B, Strand i)
Question
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Explain why this question is important in the world, or our understanding of science.
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Background Information
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Variables
Independent variable, dependent variable, and control variables (2 controls)
Dependent variable
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Independent variable
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Control variables
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Hypothesis (Criterion B, Strand ii.)
Hypothesis (and justification)
How do you think the independent variable will affect the dependent variable?
(Hint: It should be stated in the “if-then” format: “I predict that if… [what you will do], then… [what you
expect to happen].”
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Method (Criterion B, Strand iv.)
Equipment/Materials
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Method
(Hint: Step-by-step procedure that indicates how to set up the experiment and collect data, including
safety precautions. Don’t forget to write about each of the variables described above.)
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Method and Experimental Setup
(Draw the circuit diagram created for your experiment with legend.)
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Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating
Data Tables: (at least 3 trials)
Raw Data Table
Processed Data Table
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Sample Equations
Graph
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Analysis and Discussion
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Conclusion
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Evaluation
The error or Issue
(Limitations)
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How did it affect the data
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How can this be solved
(Improvement)
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Further Inquiry
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Extra Lines (if needed)
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