Project 21 : "News in Numbers: The Dolphin Story”

 

Project 21

        "News in Numbers: The Dolphin Story”

 Newspapers are full of not just news but also a lot of numbers. Through this project, students would be encouraged to make sense of the many numbers that they come across in the newspapers and make better sense of the news.

This is an article from The Hindu dated 8^th March , 2025

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/counting-our-vulnerable-dolphins/article69303206.ece?response_id=SARSIg99fuBpcFnz1LlbTqLqBhplarFCFI87BdnPmRnCsw4mag&internal_redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fscience%2Fcounting-our-vulnerable-dolphins%2Farticle69303206.ece&social_type=GOOGLE

 

🎯 Objectives:

• Use a newspaper article as a primary source of information.
• Extract and organize numerical data from the article.
• Analyse the data using math concepts: averages, percentages, graphs.
• Understand how math supports wildlife conservation efforts.

📝 Step-by-Step Guide for Students:

1. Read the Article Carefully

• Article: “Counting Our Vulnerable Dolphins” (The Hindu)
• Highlight all numerical data (e.g., dolphin population figures, number of survey locations, etc.).

2. Extract and Organize the Data

• Example: If the article says “1,272 dolphins counted in 2018 in Bihar stretch” — record that.
• Create a simple table from this data.

Sample table

Location/Year	Dolphin Count
Bihar (2018)	1272
Uttar Pradesh (example)	[student-researched]
Assam (example)	[student-researched]

3. Do the Math

Use the data to:

• Find averages across locations or years.
• Calculate percentages (e.g., what % of total dolphins are in Bihar?).
• Compare numbers (e.g., is dolphin count increasing or decreasing?).

4. Create Visuals

• Bar graphs to show population by region.
• Pie charts for distribution.
• Line graph if data over years is found.

5. Interpret and Reflect

• Write a small paragraph on what the data reveals.
• Why might dolphin numbers vary across different locations or years?
• What role does math play in protecting endangered species like the Gangetic dolphins?

Research suggestions: If students wish, they can research additional articles from reliable sources (like Down to Earth, Mongabay, or WWF India) to supplement the data.

Criteria	Marks	What to Look For
1. Data Extraction & Table Creation	10 marks	Correct identification and organization of numerical data from the article.
2. Mathematical Calculations	10 marks	Accurate averages, percentages, comparisons, etc.
3. Graphs/Charts	10 marks	Neat, labeled bar/pie/line graphs based on the data.
4. Interpretation & Reflection	10 marks	Clear explanation of trends, insights, and connection to dolphin conservation.
5. Presentation & Effort	10 marks	Neatness, layout, completion of all steps, and use of creativity where appropriate.

 

A sample worksheet is provided for your reference. You may design and present the project differently

📖 Step 1: Read and Explore

Main Article:
- “Counting Our Vulnerable Dolphins” – The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/counting-our-vulnerable-dolphins/article69303206.ece

Additional Suggested Resources (Optional but encouraged):
- WWF India – Ganges River Dolphin: https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/critical_regions/gangetic_dolphin/
- Down to Earth: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/india-s-first-census-on-indus-gangetic-dolphins-to-begin-soon-76855
- Mongabay India – Freshwater Dolphins: https://india.mongabay.com/tag/freshwater-dolphins/

Write 3 Number-Based Facts You Found:

1. _______________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________

📊 Step 2: Build Your Data Table

Location	Year	Dolphin Count
______________	____	_____________
______________	____	_____________
______________	____	_____________
______________	____	_____________

🔢 Step 3: Math in Action

1. Find the Average Dolphin Count:
   Average = Total Dolphins / Number of Locations = ________

2. Identify Extremes:
   - Highest count: ____________ (Where?) _______________
   - Lowest count: ____________ (Where?) _______________

3. Percentage Time:
   Pick one location and calculate its contribution to the total dolphin count:
   Percentage = (Location’s Count / Total Count) x 100 = ______ %

📈 Step 4: Make It Visual

Choose one type of graph to represent your data:
- Bar Graph – Dolphin count vs. location
- Line Graph – Population trend over years
- Pie Chart – Distribution of dolphin population

Draw your graph neatly on a chart paper or separate graph sheet. Don’t forget to title it and label axes!

💬 Step 5: Reflect and Conclude

1. Why do dolphin populations vary across different locations or years?
   __________________________________________________________

2. What role does math play in protecting endangered species like the Ganges dolphin?
   __________________________________________________________

✅ Submission Checklist

Task	Completed?
Article(s) read and mentioned	☐
Table created with real data	☐
All math calculations shown	☐
One graph or chart completed	☐
Reflection questions answered	☐
Sources cited (write them below)	☐

📚 Sources Used:

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________