Counting Sheep

By Elizabeth Clark

Abstract

In this case study, students hear arguments on both sides of a debate over wildlife management and must integrate ethical and scientific perspectives to formulate their own opinions. The case as written is most appropriate for an environmental ethics or policy course, but could also be used in an introductory or interdisciplinary environmental studies course.

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Date Posted

04/17/2009

Overview

Objectives

To teach students to formulate an opinion on an issue by taking ethics, science, and politics into consideration.

Keywords

Bighorn sheep; Ovis Canadensis; mountain lion; Puma concolor; predator-prey; predator control; population dynamics; endangered species; extinction; culling; hunting; animal rights; Sierra Nevada Mountains

Subject Headings

Ecology

Environmental Science

Wildlife Management

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Policy issues, Scientific argumentation, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Debate

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

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Answer Key

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Note: There is no separate answer key for this case.

Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

This case includes an optional supplemental PowerPoint presentation. It is recommended that instructors either assign a pre-class reading (namely, Martin, G., 1998, "Cougars Wiping Out Sierra Bighorn Sheep, Scientists Say," San Francisco Chronicle) or use this PowerPoint in class to present the necessary background information for the case.

Bighorn Power Point