Introduction
Task
Welcome to your ecosystem webquest! Here you will go on an exciting journey learning all about ecosytems. Once you have become an expert, you will have the opportunity to create your own ecosystem!!
Process
1. You will need to build your background knowledge about ecosytems. View the following Slideshow, watch the videos, and take the quiz on the links below. Be sure to take notes in your notebook as you go!
- **Look at links and documents under assignment on Google Classroom**
- http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/ecosystems/ecosystems.htm
- https://www.brainpop.com/science/ecologyandbehavior/ecosystems/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTaWsFct32g
2. Now that you are an expert about ecosystems, you will have to choose two from below to compare and contrast.
Desert
- http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/desert/index.htm
- http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/desert-profile/
- http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/desert_eco.html
Tropical Rainforest
- http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/rainforest.html
- http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/rainforest.html
- http://kids.mongabay.com/
Tundra
- http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php
- http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/tundra-profile/
- http://www.mrnussbaum.com/biomes.htm
- http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/tundra.html
Marine/Coastal
- http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/marine.php
- http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes/MARINE.html
- http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/marine.html
3. You will now invent your own ecosystem! Your ecosystem should include: all of the essentials parts of an ecosystem that you have researched about. Your job is to write a brief description of your ecosystem including an explanation a food chain found in your ecosystem. Finally, your job is to draw and label your ecosystem, as well as a separate diagram of the food chain and ecosystem members. Don't forget to name your ecosystem!
4. Get ready to present your new ecosystem to the class!! Be sure to share all the differeent components of your ecosystem! Try to convince your classmates to visit your new ecosystem!
Evaluation
|
Developing |
Qualified |
Exemplary |
Score |
|
|
Classwork |
Works at times in class, but gets easily distracted and is often off task. |
Works in class, but can get distracted and off task at times. |
Is focused and on task in class. |
|
|
Notes |
Unorganized and missing many pieces |
Mostly organized and correct, but missing a few pieces |
Well-organized and information is correct. |
|
|
Writing |
Partially completed assignment; left out important parts of the ecosystem.
Multiple grammatical errors and format errors. |
Completed all parts of the assignment, but could be more developed.
Some errors in grammar and/or format that does not make it unclear to understand. |
Completed all parts of the assignment and fully explained ideas.
Few to no grammatical and/or formatting errors. |
|
|
Drawing |
Drawing messy and incomplete. Food web diagram is messy and underdeveloped |
Drawing mostly neat and incomplete. Food web diagram is fairly neat and thought out. |
Drawing is clear, uncluttered, and attractive.
Food web is neat and well thought out.
|
|
|
Presentation |
Careless, hurried, and difficulty to understand speaker |
Presentation is rushed at times with a few mistakes, but the content is easy to read and hear. Speaker speaks clearly. |
Presentation is well planned. Speaker speaks in correct pitch and tone and makes is easy for audience to see and hear. |
|
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed your ecosystem journey! Great job researching and taking notes! You were very thoughtful and creative when creating your own ecosytems!!