Scope of the Problem
Let's start by describing the impact of a deer overpopulation problem. Take a look at the links below:
Based upon the information you found above, craft a problem statement with your group.
A problem statement is a concise and clear description of a challenge to be addressed or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the current (problem) state and desired (goal) state – in other words it sums up what you want to change. Include the 5 Ws in your statement: who, what, when, where, & why
Compiling Your Sources
Your assignment: as a class, assume that you live in a small town in Wisconsin with a deer overpopulation problem. There are several possible "solutions" to deer overpopulation, including the following:
- Medical solutions: Sterility vaccine PZP (porcine zona pellucida) and/or Surgical Sterilization
- Selective Culling
- Deer Relocation
- Introducing predator species
- Passive management: fencing, etc.
Gather in a group. Each group will be assigned up to 2 methods from the list above to research. Gather sources from Google and from the databases online to explain the benefits and drawbacks of each method to the rest of the class
Each student in your group will want at least two unique sources about your assigned method (including one website and one popular article). Be prepared to defend the credibility and authority of your website using the CRAP scale.
See the box below for more information about where to look for popular articles.
Gather More Sources
Start by searching the databases below for information. What can you find about your method of controlling the deer population?
- U.S. NewsstreamCheck US Newsstream for current articles for your stakeholders. For example, if a suburban person might worry about deer and car accidents, search Deer and car accidents and Illinois in order to find current info.
- Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new windowSince ASC contains much info, be sure to limit to popular articles only.
- Google SearchTry a Google search to see what other specific info you can find for your topic. Be specific in the search terms you use and play around a bit (For example, try a with a site:.gov search.) Remember to evaluate for credibility.
Next Steps
Next:
Your group will be asked to represent one of the following groups in your town:
- farmers
- hunters
- town residents
As a group, you'll be asked to present the answers to the following questions:
- What concerns would your stakeholders have about the deer population?
Again, collect one unique popular and scholarly article per group member that focuses on how these groups are impacted by deer populations?
Cite
Want some more concrete help with citations? Try the following:
- Google Scholar can create citations for articles. Click the quotation marks below the article information after doing a search.
- COD Library's guide to APA citations
- Purdue OWL's guide to APA citations and paper format
Want software to create citations for you? Check out the database below:
- NoodleTools
NoodleTools allows you to find, organize and store your research citations all in one place. Create complete Works Cited and Bibliographies with the click of a mouse, and keep notes and ideas related to your work all in one place. Available in browser and mobile app.
Create an account with your COD email to access this resource.
