April+20th

=April 20th: Cook's Lake Research Area =



===Today the Earthwatch team went to our new research site, Cook's Lake. We started the morning by learning about the difference between horns and antlers, then ventured on a 2 mile hike around a small part of the area to learn a little about the site. After that we had lunch, then once again divided into our A, B, C, D, and E teams to march into the woods and set our Longworth Traps. This time, however, we are setting half of the traps in the dense woods and half in an open grass field. The lead scientists, Dr. Newman and Dr. Buesching are interested in the long-term data on small mammal population in the area and, in particular, the population distribution between the forest undergrowth and open field.===

On the way, I ran into two local residents and decided to stop for an interview. Enjoy!
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__Math questions__
===1) Using the data below, complete the trapping efficiency chart and determine the trapping efficiency for each year and for the entire experiment (starting in 2004). ===

**No students asked my teammates any questions (other than Corinne) so no video answers today! Come on, kids, let's ask them some questions!**
=__Student Questions__ = = = // "Why did you interview the locals? Also what did you ask them? Oh ya and what day so far do you think was/is the best day?" (corinne) // Did you see the video, Corinne? Check it out if you haven't! So far, I think the best day was either the day in Halifax (because we got to explore and eat at a nice restaurant together) or the day that me, Mr. Wolfe, and Mr. Pembroke were dropped off at the beginning of a 5 mile trail to look for signs of animals. It was perfect weather and we all got to know each other very well. This is a team full of amazing individuals, each with a unique personality and great ideas. (Mr. Wignall)

//"Which was your favorite skull?" (Jenna)//

Mine. But if I had to pick a second favorite skull, it would definately be the cow skull. It was big and fun to make a video with. (Mr. Wignall)

"Is it a possibility that cougars are found in Nova Scotia?" (Sam)

Funny you should ask that. The Canadian government has denied the existence of cougars on Nova Scotia for decades but farmers and hunters have consistently reported the presence of cougars for a long time. So, it depends on who you ask. If you ask the government they'll say cougars do not live here, but if you ask locals they will say yes. (Mr. Wignall)

"Why did you try to pretend the skulls were alive?" (Mick)

I think the best way to educate is to provide students important information but also engage them at the same time. If you attract and keep their interest, it's easier for students to remember the information and hopefully they'll learn that learning (and teaching) should be fun. I love teaching just as much as I love enjoying life, so that's why I put together the skull video and gave it to all the other teachers to use as well. I hope that answers your question, Mick! (Mr. Wignall)

"Is the deer poop really smelly?" (Logan)

Actually no. It feels a little gross if it's wet but other than that you can't really smell it. (Mr. Wignall)

"Where did you find the two locals?" (Casey)

The scientists found them years ago in the woods and have been using them for years now to teach Earthwatch teams about horns, antlers, and skull identification. (Mr. Wignall)

"Why did you try to rick roll everyone?" (Cody S.)

Who? Me? I would never do something like that, Casey! (Mr. Wignall)

"Can you make your next video longer?" (Evan)

It depends on the material. Some videos are very good if they're short but tend to get boring if they last more than 30 seconds or so. Some videos are great longer but lose their effectiveness if they're too short. It all depends on what the video is about. (Mr. Wignall)

"How do you keep the mice from biting you?" (Leah)

You scruff them by picking them up by the loose skin behind their heads. I hope you've enjoyed the videos and pictures of scruffing mice and voles! (Mr. Wignall)

"How many deer did you find?" (Josh)

We found two deer but spotted about 12 others at different times of the expedition in various locations. Mostly we just look for their droppings to estimate their populations, however. (Mr. Wignall)