questions
Wolf Survey
How do the experiences we have and stories we hear about wolves influence how we, our class, and our community think about wolf reintroduction into Colorado?
There are many arguments for the reintroduction of the gray wolf into Colorado. Many of these arguments mirror those made for the Yellowstone reintroduction two decades ago. Still, wolf reintroduction is fraught with controversy.
The wolf is woven into the very fabric of our country’s natural history, human history, culture, and media. Even though few of us have had a personal experience with a live wolf, and even fewer have seen one in its natural habitat, most of us hold opinions on the wolf, and have an emotional response to this animal.
In November 2020, Coloradans will be asked to vote on a ballot issue that would allow gray wolves to be reintroduced into strategic wilderness areas of the state. You might be one of these voters, or at least know people who will have a vote on this issue. The goal of this Quest is to help you develop an informed decision about wolves and reintroduction by considering the science and the perspectives of people across the state. With this understanding, you will be able to help educate others in your community so they can also become informed voters on this issue.
Class Wolf Survey
What does our class think about wolves and their potential reintroduction into Colorado?
If you'd like to get a snapshot of how your class views this animal and this issue, compile and analyze the survey data by creating a class poster or digital data table. To keep your responses anonymous, have everyone add their own survey data.
- Organize the data into charts, tables, or graphs for analysis.
- Write summary captions for the data from each question. Questions can be divided among small groups, and then combined and shared with the full class.
- Write one or more statements explaining what the data for each question or group of questions means. Look for and explain any patterns and correlations among questions.
- Summarize the big takeaways from the class survey data. How does your class view wolves and their reintroduction?
Community Wolf Survey
What do others in our community think about wolves and their potential reintroduction into Colorado?
In TEACH, you will have the opportunity to educate others in your community on this issue. If you'd like to get a picture of their views on wolves before you do this, ask some people in your community to take the survey.
As a class, plan for each person to give the survey to 2-5 people. Coordinate who to give surveys to so that different perspectives are represented. Consider how to include people of different ages, occupations, genders, races, ethnicity/cultures, education, and interests in outdoor activities and wildlife.
Questions to consider when deciding how to survey your community:
- What groups of people does the class want to survey?
- Who (student) will survey whom (community member)?
- How many surveys will each student give?
- When do all surveys need to be completed?
- Where will the surveys be stored until later in the Quest?
All surveys need to be completed by the time you begin SOLVE. This is when you will compile all the community survey data to create a snapshot of your community views on wolves and wolf reintroduction. When your surveys are completed, give them to your teacher for safe-keeping until it is time to analyze the data.