Taking a Look at Florida's Ecosystem

Introduction

Have you ever thought about what makes the Florida Everglades ecosystem one of the most special ecosystems in the world? In this WebQuest, you will embark on a journey across the Everglades to discover the different groups of organisms that live there and interact with each other and the environment.

Guiding Questions: 

What are some of the organisms found in the Everglades? How do they interact and survive? How do human activities and nature impact the Everglades Ecosystem? What are the steps that we can take to protect the Everglades for future generations? 

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this WebQuest, you will be able to:

  • Identify the primary characteristics of the Everglades Ecosystem
  • Explain the importance of biodiversity in the Everglades
  • Analyze the impact of human activity on this ecosystem
  • Propose solutions to help protect the Everglades

Standards:

  • SS. 912. G. 2.5- Use geographic terms and tools to analyze the effects of geography on the environment. 
  • SC. 912. L. 17.8 – Acknowledge the consequences of losing biodiversity because of human activity.
  • ELA. 912. C. 1.4 – Evaluate ideas and analyze concepts. 

Bloom's Taxonomy Alignment: 

  • Understand- Describe how ecosystems work
  • Analyze: Observe how people interact with their environments
  • Evaluate: Determine environmental risks and provide solutions
  • Create and present a project based on research. 
Task

Students will work in groups of 2 to 4. Each group will explore the Everglades' geography and biodiversity, current environmental issues, conservation efforts, and provide effective preservation options. 

Each group will create a PowerPoint presentation that includes a minimum of 10 slides, a 2 to 3-minute narration by each group member, at least 1 or 2 images or maps on each slide, and a list of cited sources. Each group will present their work in class. 

Process

Step 1: Form groups and assign group roles-

  • The Ecologist: studies the Everglades' plant and animal life.
  • The Historian: Investigates the cultural and historical significance of the Everglades.
  • The Environmental Analyst: Identifies the problems that exist in the Everglades today, like pollution.
  • The Conservation Planner: Examines restoration initiatives. 

Step 2: Use the following resources:

Step 3: Develop the PowerPoint  presentation:

  • Organize your research into 10 slides
  • Write your narration script
  • Use PowerPoint's "Record" feature to narrate your slides
  • Include 1 or 2 images or maps on each slide  
  • Create a list of cited sources 

Step 4: Rehearse and present your work in class

Evaluation

Rubric

Criteria                                          Excellent (4)                                Good (3)             Satisfactory (2)                            Needs Improvement

Accuracy 

 

 The information is presented accurately with supported evidence from sources.  The information is mostly accurate, with a few issues. There are some inaccuracies, with more research needed.  The information is completely inaccurate and poorly researched. 

 Organization 

 

 The presentation is very organized and clear with no issues.  The presentation is mainly clear and organized, with few issues.  The presentation is somewhat disorganized and confusing.  The presentation is very disorganized and unclear. 

Visual Design 

 

 There are a good number of visuals that are very creative and appealing.  There are some visuals that are interesting but lack creativity.  There are basic visuals and very little creativity.  There are no visuals at all 

Narration Quality 

 

 The narration is very expressive, clear, and engaging.  The narration is mostly clear, but some parts lack engagement.    The narration has uneven delivery, and it is unclear in some places.  The narration is very unclear and difficult to follow. 

Collaboration

 

 Everyone in the group contributed and worked together.  Most group members contributed with some differences.   Uneven contribution: Some students did a little work.  Some group members dominated the presentation more than others. 

Citation 

 

 The sources were properly cited and connected to the topic  The sources were mostly cited, but some sources needed more information.  There were a few sources with minimal detail.  There were no citations, with barely any analysis. 

Total Score: ____ / 24 

Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you explored the Everglades' geography, ecological significance, and environmental issues. Additionally, you used critical thinking skills to determine how to protect one of Florida's most important natural resources. 

To learn more about the Florida Everglades ecosystem, complete a fun Everglades EcoQuest at https://www.evergladesliteracy.org/everglades-ecoquest

 

Credits