Exploring the Everglades

Introduction

      Guiding Questions:

  • What makes the Florida Everglades an important natural region?
  • How do human activities impact the Everglades ecosystem?

      Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and describe the characteristics of the Everglades ecosystem. (SS.5.G.1.1)
  • Analyze the environmental challenges facing the Everglades. (SS.5.G.4.1)
  • Evaluate the impact of conservation efforts. (SS.5.G.4.3)
  • Create a presentation proposing ways to protect the Everglades.
Task

Students will work in teams to create a narrated PowerPoint Presentation that explains the following:

  • The Everglades unique ecosystem.
  • The environmental challenges the Everglades face.
  • Propose solutions to help protect it.

 

Process

Form Groups of 4 students. 

Assign Roles: 

Researcher 1: Ecosystem: describe flora, fauna, and geography

Researcher 2: Environmental Issues: Identify current threats

Researcher 3: Human Impact: How people contribute to problems and solutions

Presenter: Compile slides and record narration

Research using the links:

https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

https://www.everglades.org/flora-and-fauna/

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/southflorida/regions/everglades/threats/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/article/everglades-national-park-florida-guide

Slide Content:

Slide 1: Title and Group Members

Slide 2-4: Research & Information

Slide 5: Proposed Solutions

Slide 6: Sources

Utilize PowerPoints record narration feature to add voice explanations.

Evaluation

Evaluation

You will be graded using the following rubric (25 points):

           Criteria 

      Exemplary (5)

     Proficient (4)

    Developing (3)

 Limited Evidence (1)
Content Accuracy Accurate and thorough. Mostly accurate; minor errors. Some inaccuracies. Many inaccuracies.
Research & Analysis Researched, Insightful. Insight, minor gaps. Adequate Poorly researched.
Team Collaboration Roles fulfilled equally. Imbalance in effort. Uneven participation. Limited teamwork.
Oral Presentation Enthusiastic. Clear and effective. Basic delivery. Unclear; monotone.
Creativity & Design Creative, innovative Good, executed Minimal creativity/design. Lacks creativity/design.

 

Conclusion

Conclusion

 You have explored the Everglades, discovered some of the environmental challenges it faces, and worked together to find meaningful solutions. You now can understand how important it is for us to protect this unique region.

 

Enrichment Activity:

Visit the Everglades National Park site and learn all about the animals that call the Everglades their home. Write a one-page paper about how many species inhabit the Everglades and which animal is your favorite.

https://evergladesnationalparkadventures.com/animals/