Introduction
Happy traveling with one of the most valuable eco-systems in Florida, the Everglades! The subtropical wetland is made up of hundreds of species; most of which are endangered, such as the Florida panther and the American crocodile. But this ecosystem is always in danger of human growth, pollution, climate changes, and invasive species.
You and your classmates are going to perform the role of environmental scientists and conservation advocates during this Web Quest. You will find out about the ecological value of the Everglades, the challenges it is currently facing and what a creative conservation plan to help save it will consist of.
Guiding Question:
What can we do as educated citizens and future leaders in order to come up with a viable action plan to ensure and create the preservation and protection of the Florida Everglades in future generations?
Learning Objectives:
SC.7.L.17.3- Explain and study the impact of environmental changes on the lives of individual organisms and whole ecosystems.
SC.6.E.7.4 - Distinguish and define which relations occur between the world patterns of atmospheric movement and atmosphere.
SS.7.C.2.13- Analyze several points of views on public and contemporary matters.
Students will:
Examine the nature of the environment in the Everglades and the human effects.
Check the current conservation initiatives and their performances.
Design a plan of action towards resolving some or all issues affecting the everglade.
Deliver their results in digital form and teamwork.
Task
You are a member of environmental consultants team of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. You will need to research the problems that are endangering the Everglades and come up with a comprehensive strategy, innovative and science-driven life protection program.
In small groups, you will be developing a presentation in a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation with a voice narration. Your team will aim at the following:
Give an interesting description of the ecosystem in the Everglades
Identify and report at least three significant threats of its survival
Offer an up to date, out of the box conservation strategy
Back your proposal with facts, imagery and scientific arguments
Deliver 5-7 minute narrative of presentation of your findings
The finishing project will be shown to the rest of the class and will be assessed with a thorough rubric.
Process
Step 1. Formation of Teams
Assign the following roles forming groups of 4 students:
Ecosystem Whiz - Look into the plants, animals, and the shape of the Everglades ecosystem.
Impact Investigator- Investigate human actions in the Everglades (polluting, diversion of water, urbanization).
Solutions Specialist-Find out what other conservation activities are being done and also come up with new ideas on the conservation plan of your group.
Creative Presenter- Design and narrate the conclusion of the presentation; make sure that the visuals and the narration are appealing and legible.
St. 2: Carry out Research
The following are very reliable sources to use and collect information:
Everglades in National Park Service:
Florida fish and Wildlife Everglades Species
EPA Wetlands
Florida Everglades foundation
Smithsonian learning lab
Individual members are expected to make notes on his or her part and work in collaboration to have proper and consistent content.
Step 3: How to Make Your Presentation
Put your results in a 6 8 slide narrated PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation.
Bear in mind there should be text summaries, images, charts, at least one embedded video or infographic.
Your presentation should respond to guiding question and should contain your original conservation plan.
The tools that can be used to record narration are Google Slides voice add-on, PowerPoint, or screen recording.
Step 4: Submit and Present
Send your final presentation to your teacher through the learning platform (D2L).
Every group will demonstrate their work in one of the classes.
You should be willing to respond to at least two queries by your classmates or your teacher.
Evaluation
Your team’s project will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Each category is worth up to 20 points, for a total of 100 points
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Content Accuracy (20 points)
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Information is factual, relevant, and well-researched
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Key concepts are clearly explained with appropriate scientific vocabulary
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Team Collaboration (20 points)
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Each team member contributes equally
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Roles are clearly followed and responsibilities are shared
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Evidence of effective communication and cooperation
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Visuals & Presentation Design (20 points)
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Slides are visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to follow
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Includes graphics, images, or charts that enhance understanding
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Text is clear and free from grammar/spelling errors
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Use of Online Resources (20 points)
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Includes information from at least 3 reliable sources
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Sources are clearly cited or acknowledged
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Internet resources are used to support and strengthen the conservation plan
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Presentation Quality (20 points)
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Narration is clear, engaging, and well-paced
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Demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic
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Includes thoughtful explanations and supports the conservation plan effectively
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Conclusion
You have now walked through your environmentally friendly journey. Not only have you read about the Everglades and been able to write a real world conservation conflict plan, but you have gained knowledge on how science and policy need each other as well as how a team works together to defend our planet. Regardless of whether you will become a scientist, activist or an informed citizen, now, you can understand how important your voice may become in preserving the most delicate ecosystems of the Earth.
Take a virtual tour- https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/photosmultimedia/multimedia.htm
Then write a one-paragraph reflection answering:
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What surprised you most about the Everglades?
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What would you add or change about your conservation plan based on this experience?