Introduction
Welcome to the Everglades Ecosystem WebQuest! In this activity, students will explore the unique plants, animals, and environmental importance of the Florida Everglades. Students will investigate how human activities affect the ecosystem and discover ways to protect this important natural resource.
Guiding questions
- Why are the Everglades important to Florida’s environment?
- What plants and animals live in the Everglades?
- How do humans impact the Everglades ecosystem?
- What can people do to protect the Everglades?
Students will:
- Identify important features of the Everglades ecosystem.
- Explain relationships between plants, animals, and habitats.
- Analyze human impact on the environment.
- Create a collaborative presentation using digital tools.
Florida State Standards
- SC.4.L.17.4: Recognize ways plants and animals depend upon each other and the environment.
- SS.4.G.1.4: Interpret physical and environmental features on maps and globes.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
- Remembering: Identify Everglades animals and habitats.
- Understanding: Explain ecosystem relationships.
- Analyzing: Examine environmental challenges.
- Creating: Develop a digital group presentation.
Task
Students will work in groups to create a digital presentation using Canva or a short educational video using Flip about the Everglades ecosystem.
Each group presentation or video must include:
- Facts about the Everglades
- At least three plants and three animals
- Environmental threats
- Ways people can help protect the ecosystem
- Pictures, maps, or graphics
Groups will present their final projects to the class.
Process
Step 1: Research the Everglades
Students will explore the following websites for information:
- National Parks Service- Everglades
- Everglages Foundation
- National Geographic Kids
Step 2: Assign Group Roles
Each student will have a role:
- Researcher: Finds facts and information
- Writer: Organizes notes and writes presentation text
- Designer: Creates slides or video visuals
- Presenter: Shares the final project with the class
Step 3: Collaborate Online
Groups will use asynchronous tools to communicate and organize their work:
- Shared Google Docs for collecting notes
- Discussion boards for planning and questions
- Canva or Flip for creating the final project
Step 4: Create the Project
Groups will combine their research into a creative presentation or video that teaches classmates about the Everglades.
Step 5: Present
Students will present their projects to the class and answer questions.
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent | Good | Satisfactory | Needs Inprovement |
| Content Accuracy | Info is accurate and detailed | Mostly Accurate | Some Inaccuracies | Limited or incorrect info |
| Creativity | Very creative and visually appealing | Creative with some visuals | Few visuals | Minimum effort |
| Teamwork | All members contributed equally | Most members contributed | Uneven participation | Limited teamwork |
| Organization | Presentation is clear and organized | Mostly organized | Some organization | Difficult to follow |
| Technology Use | Excellent use of digital | Good use of tools | Basic use of tools | Limited use of technology |
Conclusion
In this WebQuest, students explored the Everglades ecosystem and learned why it is important to protect natural environments. Students practiced research, teamwork, communication, and technology skills while creating a collaborative digital project.
Enrichment Activity
Students can take a virtual tour of the Everglades and learn more about wildlife using the following link:
Everglades Viritual Tour