Discovering Ecosystems

Introduction

The world of ecosystems is welcoming you! Think of yourself as a scientist studying various habitats in order to know the connection between flora, fauna and ecological factors in such places. You have been tasked with examining one particular ecosystem, analyzing its mechanisms of functioning and sharing it out with your colleagues thereafter. Are you prepared for this scientific journey? Come along in exploring the unbelievably fascinating area that comprises all these ecosystems because it holds so much!

Task

Explore a chosen ecosystem and create a comprehensive report about it. Your task is:

  • Select one of the following ecosystems: rainforest, desert, tundra or coral reef.
  • Study your favored ecosystem yourself, paying attention to its weather patterns, vegetation and animal life, and problems it faces in the present environment.
  • Deliver a presentation or write up that contains:
  • A description of the ecosystem
  • Special information about plants and animals in it
  • A study on the functioning of different parts of the ecosystem
  • Advice on conservation of the ecosystem

     

Your presentation could take the form of a PowerPoint presentation, written report or digital poster.

Process
  1. Pick the Ecosystem You Desire: Determine which ecosystem you desire to investigate (rainforest, desert, tundra, or coral reef).
  2. Make Findings: Use the aforementioned links to collect data considering the ecosystems mentioned. Pay attention also their weather, animal life as well as any current challenges faced by the ecosystems.
  3. Arrange Your Discoveries: Make an outline of your statement or presentation. At this point include sections on climate, flora and fauna, interactions within the ecosystem plus recommendations for conservation purposes.
  4. Make Your Presentation: Use PowerPoint, Google Slides or Canva amongst others to create your visual aids. They should remain straight forward with respect to comprehension but interesting at a glance.
  5. Revise and Edit: Go through the text carefully ensuring precision at all times. Also confirm if every part required is there and if everything follows order in one presentation.
  6. Submit Your Work: Pass on your complete presentation or report to the instructor on time

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Evaluation

Your intermediary assessment will be made depending on these criteria:

  • Content Accuracy (40%): All the required aspects of an ecosystem have been covered in a thorough manner with factual data.
  • Presentation (30%): The presentation has good organization skills, is visually attractive and passes on information in an effective way.
  • Creativity (20%): The presenter is original in their way of thinking and creative.
  • Conservation Recommendations (10%): Possible ways to preserve this ecosystem are expressed consciously and logistically possible.
Conclusion

“Congratulations on finishing your journey through eco systems! You have gained insight into complicated workings of nature and why we should act to save the many different kinds of places on earth that exist today. Think back on what you have learned and decide how you can take part in activities aimed at aiding those who are trying to save the shirt end of the world’s life support system. The education gained from this training is different from traditional academics; it is about being a global citizen with a social conscience.”

Credits
Teacher Page

An Introduction:

This WebQuest, “Discovering Ecosystems,” directs learners to do research and create presentations on different types of ecosystems. The purpose of the course is to improve people’s research, analytical, and presentation abilities.

Standards and Objectives:

  • Standards: The [State/National Science Standards] are followed.
  • Objectives: Recognize components of ecosystem; study links between those components; suggest ways to conserve them.

Preparation:

  • Make sure that all students have access to internet and computers.
  • Consult resources mentioned beforehand.

Instructional Tips:

  • Encourage team work in doing research.
  • Use provided rubric to grade student work.

Assessment:

  • Assessments will be based on content accuracy, presentation, creativity as well as conservation recommendations according to the rubric provided for this purpose.

Extension:

  • To make it easier for younger students or to make it more expansive for research by advanced students.

Additional Resources: