Life Science Chapter 1

Introduction

Welcome.

Are you comfortable?

Good.

Let’s begin...

I am here to help you.

I am your guide.

It is time to set out on your journey. Your travels will not be easy. There are no straight paths for you to follow, and it will be difficult to know whom to trust. But with persistence, you will treck your way through wild South Florida, learning about the local ecosystem along the way.

The sooner you begin, the better things will be for you. Click on “Task” when you are ready.

Task

How do animals survive and change?

Your task is to use the links provided to learn about animal habitats, behaviors, and adaptations in Southwest Florida.

You will copy and paste the "Process" Section into a Microsoft Word document, and type in your answers in your own words as you locate them.

Remember to use text features to preview each webpage. Look at the HEADINGS to find what section to read. DON'T waste your time reading the entire page!!!

Process

Directions:

Make sure that you are logged into the computer with your account, and don't forget to save your work!
Copy and paste the EVALUATION section into a MS Word document.
Edit your work: Are there red squiggles on your document? That means that the word is misspelled.
When finished, save your work and print if your teacher directed you to.

The Quest:

Before you begin your journey, you need to learn a little about Florida's ecosystem. Click the following link to answer questions 1-2: Ecosystems

1. What is a biome? What kind of biome is the Florida Everglades?

2. What type of biome would a reindeer live in? (Support your answer with text evidence.)

Your journey is to the Florida Panther Refuge Center in Immokalee. The knowledgeable staff tells you all about panthers and other animals that live on the conservation. Use the following link to answer questions number 3-4: Florida Wildlife Commission

3. Name 3 animals commonly found in Southwest Florida. Provide 1 fact about each.

4. What is a gopher frog? What adaptation helps it survive in the wild?

While it was fun learning about all sorts of animals, the conservationists also had some dark news. They told you that Florida Panthers are an endangered species. One of the conservationists told you about something called a captive breeding program, which has helped other animals increase their population. Use this link to learn more about captive breeding programs, and to answer questions 5-6: Captive Breeding

5. What is a captive breeding program? Name 3 animals that have been helped by a captive breeding program.

6. Do you think that the Florida Panther population would benefit from a captive breeding program? Why or why not?

As the sun sets, you thank the conservationists and head back home. On your way to the bus, you spot a black bear in the nearby woods! You begin to panic, but remember some information about the Florida Black Bear that you learned in science class. Use these links to refresh your memory about black bears, and answer questions 5-8: Black Bears Black Bear Video

7. When a black bear stands straight up on its' hind legs, is it ready to attack? Explain.

8. What do black bears use their claws for?

9. Do northern black bears hibernate all winter? Why might a black bear leave its' den in the winter?

You safely return home and reflect back on an amazing, educational day. You learned a lot about Florida wildlife and had a great time doing it! Until next time, reflect back and answer one more question...

10. How do living things survive and change?

Evaluation

QUESTIONS: