Elephant populations are facing threats from many sources, including illegal ivory poaching. This workshop introduces participants to the work of scientists who are tracking African elephant populations and identifying factors leading to their decline. The workshop session will integrate concepts of population ecology, biodiversity, ethics, and molecular ecology. The workshop will emphasize integration of NGSS science practices including: asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and constructing explanations and designing solutions. Participants will run gel electrophoresis to determine where illegal poaching is occuring, bringing an engaging story and biotechnology skills to their students. In this hands-on session participants will Examine the role of elephants as a keystone species and reasons for population decline. Take on the role of Wildlife Crime Scene Investigators to analyze DNA samples from confiscated ivory using gel electrophoresis. Identify the elephant population the tusks came from by comparing the genotype to an elephant DNA database compiled from dung samples representing various forest and savannah elephant populations. Compile data to determine the location of ivory poaching hotspots. Evaluate possible solutions to the elephant poaching crisis
