Welcome to Zoo Operations: Spatial Conservation
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One of the major goals of the zoo academy is to give students insight into the inner workings of the Omaha Zoo and the type of work that they are involved in. Zoo Operations introduces students to the missions of the zoo by listening to guest speakers, engaging in zoo related projects. Through this project based approach students will learn how to use industry-grade design and geospatial technologies, and utilize scientific data to engage in a project based approach to learning. This year long course will introduce students to different departments and their roles within the zoo, and develop students' scientific reasoning skills through the development of zoo related products.
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Mission of the Omaha Zoological Society
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's mission is to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals, their habitats and their conservation.
Possible Topics To Address:
Plastic Pollution and Nebraska's Waterways
Canned and Exotic Hunting Programs in the United States
Endangered or Migratory Species
Illegal Animal Trade
Historic versus present populations of species
Restoration efforts of critical habitats
Conservation of Native Species
Animal Breeding Facilities and "Puppy Mills"
Plastic Pollution and Nebraska's Waterways
Canned and Exotic Hunting Programs in the United States
Endangered or Migratory Species
Illegal Animal Trade
Historic versus present populations of species
Restoration efforts of critical habitats
Conservation of Native Species
Animal Breeding Facilities and "Puppy Mills"
2020-2021 Group Topics
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Morning Groups
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Afternoon Groups
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Project Resources
Necessary Elements for Semester 1
Topic Selection (Quarter 1)
This topic needs to be spatial in nature - meaning that it needs to be something that is a geographic problem and can be analyzed by looking at it from a location-based perspective. In your selection of a topic you will need a short topic overview that needs to describe the topic, the root issues that contribute to the topic, the geographic scope of the problem (essentially you need to explain why your topic is an actual problem). In your selection of your topic you should highlight the type of work that is already being done. You will do this through internet research and talking with knowledgable staff in the professional community. Your final piece will be an explanation of how the further investigation of your topic aligns to the work and mission of the Zoo.
Summary:
- Paragraph explaining topic (With citations in bibliography)
+ Additional Paragraph or Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
- Paragraph explaining scope of problem (With citations in bibliography)
+ Additional Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
- Paragraph explaining work already being done (With citations as bibliography)
+ Additional Paragraph or Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
- Paragraph explaining how your problem relates to mission of the Zoo
+ Additional Paragraph or Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
This topic needs to be spatial in nature - meaning that it needs to be something that is a geographic problem and can be analyzed by looking at it from a location-based perspective. In your selection of a topic you will need a short topic overview that needs to describe the topic, the root issues that contribute to the topic, the geographic scope of the problem (essentially you need to explain why your topic is an actual problem). In your selection of your topic you should highlight the type of work that is already being done. You will do this through internet research and talking with knowledgable staff in the professional community. Your final piece will be an explanation of how the further investigation of your topic aligns to the work and mission of the Zoo.
Summary:
- Paragraph explaining topic (With citations in bibliography)
+ Additional Paragraph or Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
- Paragraph explaining scope of problem (With citations in bibliography)
+ Additional Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
- Paragraph explaining work already being done (With citations as bibliography)
+ Additional Paragraph or Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
- Paragraph explaining how your problem relates to mission of the Zoo
+ Additional Paragraph or Bullet Pointed Summary for Presentations
Spatially-Focused Problem Statement (Draft 1 - Quarter 1, Final Draft - Quarter 2)
This is essential your thesis statement which you are seeking to understand better through your research. The question will be multi-faceted and complex (not able to be answered by a simple "yes" "no" etc...). At the root of your question the concepts of "where?" "Why there?" "Why should we care?" and "What can be done?" are all present in the formulation of your question.
An Example Question: How do the ranges of Nebraska's endangered prairie plant species relate to the location of farms and pastures? Where should new prairie reserves be create to protect Nebraska' native plant biodiversity?
Summary:
- Geographic Research Question
This is essential your thesis statement which you are seeking to understand better through your research. The question will be multi-faceted and complex (not able to be answered by a simple "yes" "no" etc...). At the root of your question the concepts of "where?" "Why there?" "Why should we care?" and "What can be done?" are all present in the formulation of your question.
An Example Question: How do the ranges of Nebraska's endangered prairie plant species relate to the location of farms and pastures? Where should new prairie reserves be create to protect Nebraska' native plant biodiversity?
Summary:
- Geographic Research Question
Data Collection and Organization Plan (Quarter 1)
A plan of how you will be collecting data, and what sort of data you will actually be needing in order to further investigate your problem. As a group you will need to create an original layer based on the data you compile. You may bring in pre-created layers of data from other sources of information. For each data source you will need to create a one paragraph explanation of why that data is necessary and how it will be helpful in answering your questions.
Summary:
- Data Collection Plan
+ List of 5 Data points and layers need (with paragraph explaining why for each)
- Calendar (What will be done by why?)
- Group Roles (Who is doing what and how will group members be held accountable)
A plan of how you will be collecting data, and what sort of data you will actually be needing in order to further investigate your problem. As a group you will need to create an original layer based on the data you compile. You may bring in pre-created layers of data from other sources of information. For each data source you will need to create a one paragraph explanation of why that data is necessary and how it will be helpful in answering your questions.
Summary:
- Data Collection Plan
+ List of 5 Data points and layers need (with paragraph explaining why for each)
- Calendar (What will be done by why?)
- Group Roles (Who is doing what and how will group members be held accountable)
Data Collection (Quarter 2)
Complete your collection of
Complete your collection of
Necessary Elements for Semester 2
Summation of Methodology (Quarter 3)
A summative explanation of your methodology. Can be a numbered list of steps taken or a lab-report-styled write up. In your methodology you should explain what you did and when, and then your reasoning for steps where relevant. This information will be vital to letting other spatial scientists how you conducted your study to show consistency and thoroughness.
Summary:
- An exhaustive record of your process for data collection and compilation (Can be a numbered list)
+ You should be able to make revisions to your Data Collection Plan to complete this
A summative explanation of your methodology. Can be a numbered list of steps taken or a lab-report-styled write up. In your methodology you should explain what you did and when, and then your reasoning for steps where relevant. This information will be vital to letting other spatial scientists how you conducted your study to show consistency and thoroughness.
Summary:
- An exhaustive record of your process for data collection and compilation (Can be a numbered list)
+ You should be able to make revisions to your Data Collection Plan to complete this
Data Organization and Visualization
Compilation of your collected data and layers into a webmap, and embedding your map into a story map
Compilation of your collected data and layers into a webmap, and embedding your map into a story map
Data Analysis (Quarter 3)
Action Plan
Based on your analysis develop a project proposal for what sort of project you will
Based on your analysis develop a project proposal for what sort of project you will
Final Project Elements
- Scientifically styled Problem Statement
- Four Summative paragraphs from Topic Selection
- Write-up of methodology
- Inclusion of up to 2 non-author created images
- Up to 5 author created images
- Organization of entire project into an Esri Storymap
- Inclusion of at least one original layer - created by team
- Inclusion of at least one layer created by an outside organization
- Analysis layer
- Summation and Analysis that answers Problem Statement
- Action plan (proposal) meant to addresses problem
- Bibliography (For everything, including pictures)
- Four Summative paragraphs from Topic Selection
- Write-up of methodology
- Inclusion of up to 2 non-author created images
- Up to 5 author created images
- Organization of entire project into an Esri Storymap
- Inclusion of at least one original layer - created by team
- Inclusion of at least one layer created by an outside organization
- Analysis layer
- Summation and Analysis that answers Problem Statement
- Action plan (proposal) meant to addresses problem
- Bibliography (For everything, including pictures)
Semester 1 Calendar
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Week 1 - Finding Your Guiding Question
Central Question: How do you develop a research question to guide a conservation project? Field Experience: Everyday Explorer! (Activity) - Preliminary Group Meeting + Arc Form + Project Brainstorming - Guest Speaker for the day: Desert Dome - Forming an Idea (Activity) + Draft Research Question (Submission) + Tips for a Research Question |
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Week 2 - Setting the Groundwork
Central Question: Why is building context to a project necessary to understanding the direction for future work? Field Experience: Wanderlust (Activity) - Benchmarks for the Day + Title for Project + Paragraph explaining how project fits into mission of OHDZ + Paragraph explaining topic + Revised Research Question + Log into ArcGIS - ArcGIS Storymaps Field Experience: Core Strategies of the Zoo (Activity) |
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Week 3 - Connecting to the Work of Others
Central Question: How can it be beneficial to team up with other projects to complete your goals? Field Experience: Pictures that Tell a Story - Benchmarks for the Day +Revised and complete paragraphs for following components: - How project meets mission of the Zoo - Paragraph Explaining topic + New Paragraphs to work on: - Work already being done + Email an organization or individual questions about your topic - Be sure to CC Teacher - Guest Speaker for the Day: Marketing, Aquarium?, Hoofstock? |
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Week 4 - Refining and Focusing your Idea
Central Question: How is the process of editing, refining, and researching your topic important to setting up your project? Field Experience: The Zoo and You Can Too! - Benchmarks for the Day +Refine and Complete for Critique - Inquiry Question - Introduction Paragraph - Paragraph explaining connection to zoo mission - Work being done by other organizations - Email field professional if not already done so - Critique 1: Submission Form - Guest Speaker for the Day: Hoofstock (morning), Aquarium (Afternoon) |
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Week 4 - Refining and Focusing your Idea
Central Question: What is the value of collaborating with others throughout the project formation stage? - Benchmarks for the Day + Complete any finishing touches on presentation - Add any missing elements from week 4 + Practice present with each other (timing 2-3 minutes) - Presentations and Feedback + Morning: 9:30 / Afternoon 1:30 - Review Feedback and implement changes before next Friday - Critique 1: Project Formation |
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Week 5 - Building Your Brand and Strategic Planning
Central Questions: Why is it necessary to sell the idea of your project as much as the information included in it? - Benchmarks for the Day + Review Qualifications for 2021 Mapping Contest + A Mental Map of the Maps (Assignment) + Create a Logo for your Project - Recommended application: Canva - Yearbook Photos - Virtual College Fair |
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Week 6 - Rules of Cartography
Central Questions: What elements are needed when communicating information with maps? - Benchmarks for the Day + Review Qualifications for 2021 Mapping Contest + Find Available Maps + Review Plan for Maps and Logo - General Submission Form - Virtual College Fair 
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Week 7 - Finding Background Knowledge
Central Questions: What information is needed to answer your inquiry? - Benchmarks for the Day + Review Qualifications for 2021 Mapping Contest + Time for Background Research/General Work Time - Stingray Teeth Collection - Virtual College Fair |
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Week 8 - Beginning the Mapping Process
Central Questions: Why are cartographic principles so important in the communication of geographic data? - Benchmarks for the Day + Example: The Endangered Nebraskan Prairie and its Plants + One Complete Introductory Map (Move onto second if complete) - Each map needs to include a title, in the description include 2-3 sentences what the map is showing. Include the source of any information that you used to make the map. Include who authored the map and when. Include a couple of tags related to what the map shows. Save the map, make it public, and embed it into your story map - In the story map write a caption or longer explanation on how your map relates to your topic. - Possible Data Source: + IUCN Redlist + Nebraska Natural Resource District + NebraskaMap.Gov + Nebraska Game and Parks: Threatened and Endangered Species + Nebraska Game and Parks: Conservation |
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Week 9 - Making your draft maps
Central Questions: Why is continuous editing and polishing of your project necessary? - Benchmarks for the Day + Two Draft Maps added to your story map + Make sure all of the following elements are present in your story map - Inquiry Question - Introduction Paragraph - Paragraph explaining connection to zoo mission - Work being done by other organizations (If you are doing a Nebraska topic make sure the work being done is in Nebraska) - Project Logo and Title - Three Draft Maps total + By end of the day submit a draft of your Story Map with all the necessary elements by posting the link HERE. |
Week 10 - Critique 2
Central Question: Why is consistent feedback from peers helpful to the project development process?
Benchmarks for the Day
- Prepare for Presentations
- Critique 2 Submission Form
- Critique 2 - Project development Submission Form (Complete 1 for each group in your class)
Central Question: Why is consistent feedback from peers helpful to the project development process?
Benchmarks for the Day
- Prepare for Presentations
- Critique 2 Submission Form
- Critique 2 - Project development Submission Form (Complete 1 for each group in your class)
Week 11 - Producing a Good Product
Central Question: Why is consistent feedback from peers helpful to the project development process?
Benchmarks for the Day
Reconnect with Group and Game Plan
Review Feedback and make revisions
Peer Reviews and Edits (2 from same group and 1 from other group)
- Inquiry Question (Makes sense, complex, has a geographic element)
- Introduction Paragraph (Spelling/grammar, gives reader a good idea of topic)
- Paragraph explaining connection to zoo mission (Spelling/Grammar, clear connection to work of OHDZ)
- Work being done by other organizations (Spelling/grammar, gives reader a good idea of connection to topic)
- Three Draft Maps total (Maps easy to read, well labeled, good clean captions)
Work time cleaning up Storymaps and making changes
Central Question: Why is consistent feedback from peers helpful to the project development process?
Benchmarks for the Day
Reconnect with Group and Game Plan
Review Feedback and make revisions
Peer Reviews and Edits (2 from same group and 1 from other group)
- Inquiry Question (Makes sense, complex, has a geographic element)
- Introduction Paragraph (Spelling/grammar, gives reader a good idea of topic)
- Paragraph explaining connection to zoo mission (Spelling/Grammar, clear connection to work of OHDZ)
- Work being done by other organizations (Spelling/grammar, gives reader a good idea of connection to topic)
- Three Draft Maps total (Maps easy to read, well labeled, good clean captions)
Work time cleaning up Storymaps and making changes
Week 12 - Geospatial Analysis
Central Question: How can GIS be used to perform spatial analysis?
Benchmarks for the Day
Complete Debug lists for projects
Identify type of Geospatial Analysis to complete for project
- Begin making analysis map to include in story map
Central Question: How can GIS be used to perform spatial analysis?
Benchmarks for the Day
Complete Debug lists for projects
Identify type of Geospatial Analysis to complete for project
- Begin making analysis map to include in story map
