Florida's Ecosystem

Introduction

  • Guiding Questions:

  • What makes the Everglades a unique and vital ecosystem?

  • How do human activities impact the Everglades?

  • What can we do to protect this natural treasure?

  • Identify the physical features and biodiversity of the Everglades. (Remember, Understand)

  • Analyze the environmental challenges facing the Everglades. (Analyze)

  • Evaluate human impact and propose solutions for preservation. (Evaluate, Create)

  • Florida Standards:

  • SS.6.G.1.2 – Use maps to identify characteristics of major physical features.

  • SC.7.L.17.3 – Describe and investigate various limiting factors in ecosystems.

  • ELA.K12.EE.3.1 – Make inferences to support conclusions.

  • Learning Objectives:

Task

You and your group will create a narrated PowerPoint presentation (or Google Slides) titled:

"The Everglades: Florida’s River of Grass"

Each group will:

  • Research one major aspect of the Everglades (Ecology, Geography, Environmental Threats, Human Use, or Conservation Efforts).

  • Present findings using visuals, data, and narration.

  • Propose at least one realistic action plan or policy to help conserve the Everglades.

Presentations will be shared with the class in a “Virtual Eco-Summit.”

Process

Step 1: Form Groups

Students will be placed into groups of 4–5. Each member selects or is assigned one role:

  1. Geographer – Maps and location of the Everglades

  2. Biologist – Flora and fauna in the ecosystem

  3. Historian – Human impact and historical use

  4. Environmental Scientist – Climate and current environmental threats

  5. Policy Advisor – Laws, conservation strategies, and proposed actions

Step 2: Conduct Research

Each group member will explore these reliable websites:

Step 3: Create Presentation

Use Google Slides or PowerPoint. Include:

  • A title slide with group member names and roles.

  • 1–2 slides per group member based on their role.

  • Images, maps, short video clips (optional).

  • A final slide proposing a group-based solution.

    Step 4: Narrate and Submit

    Record audio using built-in tools in Google Slides or PowerPoint. One member will submit the final file via the class learning platform.

Evaluation
Criteria 4 – Excellent 3 – Good 2 – Fair 1 – Needs Work
Content Accuracy All info is accurate and detailed Minor errors Some inaccuracies Major errors
Creativity and Visuals Engaging, well-designed visuals Mostly clear visuals Basic design Lacks visuals or creativity
Team Collaboration Excellent teamwork, all members contribute Most contributed Uneven roles Limited cooperation
Narration & Delivery Clear, fluent, well-paced Mostly clear Difficult to hear/understand Not included
Critical Thinking & Solution Thoughtful, feasible solution Basic solution Vague idea No solution provided

 

Total Points: 20

Conclusion

Congratulations, Eco-Explorers! You've just navigated one of the most important ecosystems in the United States. Through research, teamwork, and creative presentation, you’ve learned how to protect and preserve our planet's natural resources.

Enrichment Activity:

Explore the Everglades virtually! Take a digital tour:

👉 Virtual Everglades Tour

Use Flip (formerly Flipgrid) to post a 1-minute reflection:

"Why Should We Care About the Everglades?"