Australia's Science Forum

Hiya,

what do you use as your 'organisms' in the Lincoln Index capture-recapture prac?
I usually buy cannelini beans because they're cheap & white, so easy to mark with textas, but after a few classes have used them & marked with different coloured textas I throw them out, & I'm wondering if it would be better to get marbles or glass beads instead. That way I can just wash the texta marks off & use them year after year.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

They are getting rarer these days, but we always used those polystyrene foam beads used for packing round equip.

We use two different coloured straws (green/white) cut to required size (1-2cm).
Have been using the same sets for 6 years with no problems.

I agree with the straws, been using coloured ones cut to size for a few years now.

how about coloured matchsticks, they are cheap to buy, already coloured and last for ever

Hi All

I have been asked for capture/recapture prac. (We use 6 sets of straws for 6 groups of students.) What numbers/ratio do you use in your sets?

Rita

Hi Rita,
we are doing this too and the set up sheet I was given says two different coloured counters 15:100

I found it all organised and labelled in a box, I have recently inherited a very well organised workplace....feeling lucky

Thank you ..... the numbers of straws are dwindling in each set so I had better top up.

We use coloured match sticks as well.
Just soak them for 1 min in food colour lay on paper towel over night to dry. I just have a tub of each colour and when I notice getting down just make some more.
Cheap and easy.
Cheers Trish