Bring ecological relationships to life with this comprehensive, multi-step data analysis lab. Students will move beyond simple graphing to analyze the complex fluctuations between predators (Wolves) and their prey (Elk).

This resource has been modernized with 2016–2025 data and specifically aligned with Ohio’s 5th Grade Life Science Standards to help students master ecosystem interconnections.

What’s Included?

• Structured Data Table: A modernized 10-year study (2016–2025) featuring blank trend columns for students to identify population increases and decreases.
• Double-Line Graphing Practice: Guided instructions for students to create a dual-variable graph with clear labeling and keys.
• Critical Thinking Questions: Five targeted questions that challenge students to explain population crashes, lag-time effects, and environmental anomalies.
• Ohio Standard-Aligned Extensions: NEW questions specifically targeting Energy Flow (5.LS.1), Decomposers (5.LS.2), and Invasive Species impacts.
• Inquiry Extension Activity: A "You Are the Wildlife Biologist" task where students design their own 5-year study, choose an environmental disturbance, and model the results.
• Comprehensive Teacher Key: A full answer key providing biological reasoning for all data trends and sample logic for the creative extension.

Skills Covered

• Data Literacy: Calculating trends and interpreting numerical tables.
• Scientific Modeling: Constructing and reading double-line graphs.
• Ecological Reasoning: Understanding how limiting factors like disease, drought, and predation impact carrying capacity.
  

Perfect For:

• 5th-8th Grade Life Science or Biology
• Ohio State Test (OST) Prep
• No-Prep Sub Plans
• Differentiated Independent Work or Lab Stations