Ecosystem Exploration

Introduction

You sit in your classroom waiting for the bell to ring that will mark the end of the school year. You can't wait for your summer to begin. Playing with your friends, going to the beach, sitting on the couch watching t.v. all day, these occupy your mind as your teacher finishes his final thoughts. The bell rings and the students race out of the room to start their vacation. You begin to make your way to the door but your teacher stops you. He explains that he has a great opportunity that is available to only a few students. He goes on to explain that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the ocean. He knows that you really enjoy Science and learning about ecosystems so he offering you the opportunity. You will spend two weeks exploring the ocean on a research vessel complete with a submarine for underwater exploration. You will have the opportunity to answer the questions: How does matter cycle through ecosystems? Where does energy in food come from, and what is it used for? You teacher asks if you are interested in this experience?

Task

You eagerly respond with a yes! This is an experience you do not want to pass up a chance to experience. You teacher tells you that there are a few things that he will need after your trip. You must complete the following checklist.

  • You will create a food web of the ocean ecosystem. You will need to include at least 3 food chains
  • You will research an ocean creature studying their habitat, what they eat, what is the height, weight and length of the animal, how long does it live, what are its babies called, and any other interesting facts that you learned
  • You will create either a poster, PowerPoint, or video presentation based on what you learned

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Process

You job is to explore the following websites and videos to gather as much information for your tasks.

Ducksters ecosystem website

Marine food chain

Marine food webs

Marine Biomes

Ocean Facts

Ocean Animal Encyclopedia

National Geographic Animals

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Evaluation

You will have a rubric for each task you complete. Please look at each so that you know what is expected.

Research Report Rubric

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PowerPoint Rubric

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Video Rubric

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Poster Rubric

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed your ocean ecosystem experience. I hope you enjoyed learning more about the wonderful ecosystem of the ocean. You now know more about the ocean and wildlife that inhabit this part of world. You should now be able to answer the questions: How does matter cycle through ecosystems? Where does energy in food come from, and what is it used for?

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Credits

These are where I found my rubrics

Research Report Rubric

PowerPoint Rubric

Video Rubric

Presentation Rubric