A Mathematical Look Into the Life of a

Zookeeper
Title
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

For High School Algebra Students (Grades 9-10)

Designed by
Frank Shaffer, Ian Rampa
Matthew Winkler, Colin Carneal

Student Page

Introduction
By Frank Shaffer

Title
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Design
This WebQuest was designed for Algebra one students to get a view on
how they might be able to apply algebra applications in a real life
situation. The example used in this WebQuest is that of a zookeeper.
Students will be expected to analyze animal data and relate it to basic
algebraic applications.

Introduction
Picture it, You are a zookeeper in one of the most successful zoos in
Europe. You are given the task of coming up with a price summary for
three specific animals. It is now your job to find information on these
animals and apply the numerical data to algebraic applications and
make conversions where necessary. Good thing you payed attention in
High School Algebra!

Student Page
Title

The Task
By: Ian Rampa

Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Your task is to research basic methods in solving algebraic equations, and then
using this knowledge, solve other problems related to running a zoo based off of the
given information . To do this, you will need to complete the following:
-visit http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/introduction.html and describe the
basic steps in solving algebraic equations.
-watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H7385duSpA and use this method
to solve the problems on the next few slides.
-By the end of the week, each student is expected to have the webquest
completed.
No computer program will be needed, all charts are included. You will be allowed to
use your calculator though.

The Process

Student Page

Step 1
Gathering Information
By Frank Shaffer

Title
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

In this step you will be looking at information on three commonly found zoo animals.
You will need to look at statistical references on Elephants, Lions, and Giraffes. You
will need to look specifically at a few different things. You will need find out the
average cost it takes to purchase each animal, the space needed for a proper living
condition, and the cost for a years supply of food for the animal. Put all of the
information you found in the chart below.
Here are some informational links for each animal:
http://www.elephantsincanada.com/toronto-zoo/zoocheck-s-feasibility-study
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GreatCats/lionfacts.cfm
http://www.zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=1878#.VD_rqm3_7Vo

Animal
Elephant
Giraffe
Lion

Initial Cost
(US Dollars)

Space Needed
(ft2)

Amount of Food
(lbs Per Year)

Student Page

Step 2
Conversions for your Zoo
By: Colin Carneal

Title
Introduction
Task
Process

Now that you have found the details needed for your animals you must convert the
findings to the proper units for you zoos application. Follow the steps below and
use the links provided for the unit conversions. The chart below can be found on
your webquest worksheet.

Evaluation

1.

Conclusion
Credits

1.

1.

Convert the cost in dollars to the the European form of currency the Euro
Currency Conversion Table
Convert the space each animal needs from square feet to square meters
(Hint: This is squared units of area, not distance)
Area Conversion
Convert the amount of food needed per year from pounds to kilograms
Weight Conversion Table

Metric Conversions
Do not use an online conversion calculator because you MUST show work on
your worksheet. You may use them to check your work.

Animal
Elephant
Giraffe
Lion

Initial Cost
(Euro)

Space Needed
(meters2)

Amount of Food
(Kg per year)

Step 3

Student Page

Maximize your Zoo

By Ian Rampa

Title

In this part of the process, after having converted measurements, you are to
maximize certain areas of your zoo. Show all work on a separate piece of paper.

Introduction
1)

Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Assume you have 8000 ft of land. Note that only 3 sides will be needed, since
your fourth wall will be the barn you house other animals in. Use your
knowledge of maximizing area along with the following website in order to
maximize area. Then figure out the best way to split up that area to fit as
many of each animal as you think will fit. Do not worry about prices for this
part.
http://www.texttutoring.com/farmer-maximize-area-of-garden/

2)

Assuming you have $150 million, if you want to purchase 2 elephants, how
many giraffes and how many lions could you buy with the leftover money?
Note that your answer will be different than your classmates depending on
how much of each animal you would prefer at your zoo. You also must
consider the amount of space each animal needs, so you may not use all
your money buying animals if you dont have the space for them.

3)

Finally, use your knowledge of how much food each animal eats to determine
how many pounds of food will have been consumed by all three types of
animals after 5 years. Look back to your notes and the website of how to
solve basic algebraic functions for this part.

ASK YOUR CLASSMATES FOR HELP

BEFORE COMING TO THE TEACHER

Student Page

Step 4 :Zoo Additions

By Matt Winkler

Title
Introduction
Task

-How much YEARLY income must the

zoo make per year to purchase two new
elephants after five years?

Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Hint
Calculate the cost of two elephants
Keep in mind the zoo has five
years to make this much money.

Present your final answer in dollars

and euros.
Show your work!

Student Page

Rubric/Evaluation
Beginning
1

Title
Introduction

Step 1
Gather
Information

Task
Process
Evaluation

Developing
2

The student did not gather The student gathered

information for all three
information about all three
animals and did not use the animals but left some of the
websites provided.
categories in the provided
table blank.

Accomplished
3

Exemplary
4

The student had all

categories for every animal
filled out but one or two of
the values found were
clearly made up, and not
from the given sources.

The student gathered

information on all three
animals and found values
to meet each table criteria
from the sources
provided.

Score

Step 2
Student failed to show work Student showed some work Student showed good work Student showed all work
Conversions for and had many wrong
with some mistakes and
with few mistakes and few with little to no mistakes
your Zoo
answers
some right answers
wrong answers
and all right answers

Conclusion
Credits

Step 3
Maximize your
Zoo

One or two of the questions Two or three of the

have been answered, very questions have been
little to no work shown,
answered with minimal to
answers are wrong.
average work shown, one
or more of the answers are
wrong.

Step 4:
Zoo Additions

Yearly income not

calculated correctly. No
work shown. Answer not
expressed in both dollars
and euros.

All three questions have

All three questions have
been answered with the
been answered with all
proper amount of work
the right work. All answers
shown, but one or more of are correct and display
the answers are not correct. knowledge of the subject
effeciently.

Yearly income not

Little work shown, or
calculated correctly. Answer answer not expressed on
not expressed in both
both dollars and euros.
dollars and euros.

Yearly income calculated

correctly. Work shown.
Answer expressed in both
dollars and euros.

Total score ___/16

Student Page

Conclusion
By: Collin Carneal

Title
Introduction
Task

You have successfully used algebra and applied it to a real life situation. Being a zookeeper
is not all about petting lots of exotic animals. There is lots of math and science needed to
make sure the zoo and the animals are as successful and happy as possible. So you dont
want to be a zookeeper in Europe? Think about possible careers that interest you and
where in the world that career may take you. How might this algebra help you in your
future??

Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Thanks for making our zoo awesome!

Student Page
Title
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Credits & References

Sources for all images:
http://aaccuratequote.com/calculator-clipart
http://cmbuzz.com/2011/03/the-ministry-zoo-of-volunteers/
http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/03/13/top-10-zoos-for-baby-animals/
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zookeeper/
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/zoo-animals--thank-you-rachel-roushey.html
http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/pre-algebra-clipart
http://wallpaperswide.com/lion_5-wallpapers.html
http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-giraffes/
http://www.goldsmithinsurance.com/five-reasons-why-you-should-know-about-term-lifeconversions/
All other links used can be found within the slides.
A big thank you to Dr. Holliday for the webquest template and providing all other needed
materials to complete our webquest, and also to all of the group members for coming
together to make this work. We would also like to thank our students for taking the time to
complete our webquest.