Ecosystem Extravaganza

Introduction

A major national magazine that focuses on nature and all of its elements has asked for help. The magazine, "Ecosystems," is planning a spectacular issue that will highlight one of the earth's most beautiful ecosystems. Not only will the magazine publish the article, but they also plan to turn the information into a special feature on a popular cable channel. The problem is that there are so many beautiful and fascinating places to choose from. As a result, the magazine is holding a country-wide competition for teams of explorers to present and persuade the editors to choose their favorite ecosystem. The teams will engage in online and offline research to create a product that is so breathtaking that the editors will have no choice but to choose it.

 

Here is a short video clip about ecosystems to introduce the unit. If this link does not work, cut & paste this into your browser: http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/scien ce/ecosystems/ecosystems.htm

Task

Task #1:

You will begin the individual exploration for your part of the task. You are encouraged to keep the others in your group informed about your progress and to share good resources with each other, but you will be individually responsible for your section of information. Print and use the graphic tool on the process pages to help you organize your thinking and to record information that you will use in the final project. Be sure to save all of the material and pictures that you will use in your student share folder. You can also draw or create graphs or charts by hand or on the computer. Be sure to answer the essential question that goes with your part of the project. Check out the links in the resource section for information that applies to your particular part of the project. Keep track of the references that you use. You may save these in favorites or copy and paste to a word document and keep in your folder for use later

Task #2:

As a team, you will decide how to present your report. A Prezi will be created for the final project, but graphs and word documents can all be included. Individual jobs can be completed in different ways, and then inserted in your Prezi. You group must also chose one other method of showing the class what you have learned by choosing one of the following: diorama, stand-up display board, or brochure. Your team will present the final project to the class, where each team member will be the "expert" on their own area of research to present to the class. The class is looking forward to seeing what you have learned.

Task #3:

Have fun!! And remember a magazine is holding a country-wide competition for teams of explorers to present and persuade the editors to choose their favorite ecosystem. Your team will engage in online and offline research to create a product that is so breathtaking that the editors will have no choice but to choose your ecosystem.

 

Process

PROCESS

Each team will choose an ecosystem at random. It is the team's job to research the ecosystem and gather facts and information about it. Each member of the team will complete their respective fact sheet below and become an expert in a particular aspect of their ecosystem. If your ecosystem exists in several areas of the world, as a team, chose ONE area or country that your team will focus on.

Team Roles

Botanist - this person will be an expert in the plant life and decomposers of the area.

Zoologist - this person will be an expert in the animal life (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores) of the area.

Meteorologist - the weather expert, should also determine the best time of year to vacation in the ecosystem, and what kinds of clothes to bring during each season of the year. What are the precipitation amounts and humidity levels of this environment? (This is the group's team leader.) 

Geologist - land, map and area expert will show how the soil, rock, water, and other non-living elements play an important role to living organisms in this ecosystem.

Publicist - this person will be an expert in the layout and design of your group's presentation and be a research assistant. They will discuss with the other members of your group the best way to display and present your information to the class and magazine company. (Note: Not all groups will have a Publicist. This person is hand-picked for their unique talents and no fact sheet is available. In this event, your team leader will coordinate the presentation.)

** Roles will be assigned by the teacher. Ecosystems will be drawn out of a hat.

Remember that YOU are ALL responsible for learning about the ecosystem you are presenting, but YOUR ROLE reflects an area of particular focus for you as you research. Be sure to answer the essential question on the fact sheet that goes along with your job.

Each team member should find their ecosystem, then choose a website from the resource. They should record facts and information about the ecosystem that would be useful in your group's presentation.

Each job's fact sheet will be turned in to show that you did your share of the group work.

Remember your role!

You can write down anything useful you think the team will need, but your focus should be on the role YOU were assigned (Geologist, Meteorologist, Zoologist, Botanist, Publicist).

Some questions to consider: 

  • What kinds of plants and animals live there?
  • What kind of clothes should the magazine crew bring for their photo shoot?
  • What's the weather like?
  • What is the best time of year to travel there?
  • What part of the world will the magazine crew be traveling to?
  • Are there any dangerous elements involved in traveling there?

Work with your group and discuss your findings as you develop your group Prezi and one other group presentation.

Evaluation

EVALUATION

Your ecosystem webquest will be scored using the rubric on the next page. The overall quality of the group project will be evaluated on its completeness and accomplishment of the task, which will be worth 40% of your grade. In addition, another 40% will be based on your individual assigned job's completeness and quality, and the last 20% will be based on your participation and group effort.

PowerPoint Presentation (or Prezi) slide requirements:

1- Name and location of Ecosystem, including names of group members

2- Geologist’s Report

• Where is it located? (Chose one location in the world where this ecosystem exists.)

• What factors (latitude, elevation, and precipitation) are unique to this ecosystem?

• How do the abiotic (sun, rain, land) factors affect this area?

• Answer your essential question

3- Meteorologist’s Report

• Include temperature and precipitation graphs

• How does the climate of this location affect the ecosystem?

• Answer your essential question

4- Botanist’s Report

• What plants (producers) and decomposers live here? Work with the zoologist to create a realistic energy cycle.

• How does the climate help or hinder plant life?

• Answer your essential question.

5- Zoologist’s Report

• What animals live here? Work with the botanist to create a realistic energy cycle.

• How does the climate and plant life help or hinder them here?

• Answer your essential question.

6- Energy Cycle  

• Beginning with the sun in the middle, create an energy cycle for your ecosystem, including one producer, one herbivore, two omnivores, two carnivores, and one decomposer. The items you include in your energy cycle must be referenced in your previous slides.

7- Publisher’s Report (if applicable to your group)

• Convince a magazine company why they should feature your ecosystem in their magazine.

• When is the best time to visit and why?

• What should visitors bring with them?

• Explain how you would promote tourism to this ecosystem.

8- References