Scenario

The National Science Federation is concerned about the environmental changes that are occurring on our planet. They are presently involved in a project to create current models for existing biomes to be used for making projections. The projections will be used to develop agricultural procedures to feed the increasing world population. You have been asked to research a biome and gather information for a current model that shows the interrelationships within the biosphere.

Task and Product

Working alone or in small groups, you will investigate the components of one biome to determine the interactions and adaptations needed for survival. You will include information on:

• Geographic location(s) of this biome on the earth
• Temperature range within this biome
• Average precipitation within this biome
• Soil characteristics
• Unusual physical characteristics of this biome
• Plant life (flora) - adaptations of plants indigenous to this biome
• Animal life (fauna) - adaptations of animals indigenous to this biome
• Food chains/feeding relationships
• Endangered species indigenous to this biome
• Human interactions with this biome (economic value)
• Interesting facts about the biome or its animal and plant life

You will submit either a PowerPoint,video, poster, or Microsoft Publisher pamphlet to provide information to the National Science Federation for their biome model project.

Assessments

You will be graded on your research process as well as on your product using one or more of the following tools:

• Daily (Formative)
• Research Process - Summative (Student/Self)
• Research Process - Summative (Teacher)
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Poster
• Pamphlet or Brochure
• Multimedia
• Video

Question

Essential Question:

How do abiotic and biotic factors interact within a biome?

Subsidiary questions:

• How does geographic location determine the type of biome?
• How does the amount of solar radiation determine the type of biome?
• How do temperature range and amount of precipitation impact a biome?
• How do the soil characteristics impact the plant and animal life of the biome?
• Which plants thrive in this biome?
• Which animals thrive in this biome?
• Identify threatened and endangered species indigenous to your biome.
• How do humans interact positively with your biome?
• How do humans interact negatively with your biome?
• Identify and describe interesting features associated with your biome.

Gather Information and Take Notes

Gather information about biomes from a variety of sources.

Sort your research findings using the Biome Data Sheet, a graphic organizer or note cards. Be sure to avoid plagiarism and keep track of your resources for a bibliography.

Organize

Revisit the assessments.

Analyze your research notes to determine if you have answered the essential questions.

How do abiotic and biotic factors interact within a biome?

Synthesize your findings by writing a first draft of your presentation.

• What new insights have emerged about your topics?
• Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?
• Which facts are unnecessary or repetitive and therefore should be left out?

Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.

• Have you gathered sufficient details about your biome?
• Are your details organized in the right categories or sub-topics to make sense for your audience?
• Is your research reflected in your product?

Create your final product.

Conclusion

Present Products

As you listen to the class presentations of topics, use the Biome Data Sheet to jot down key ideas and important details about how abiotic and biotic factors interact within a biome.

Draw Conclusions

A. Based on the map you constructed of earth's biomes and your notes from your classmates' presentations on biomes that you recorded on your Biome Data Sheets, describe the effect of latitude and altitude on a biome.

B. Over the next 1,000 years, many changes will occur in the biomes of the earth. These changes will result from the interaction of many factors; however, global warming or global cooling may have the greatest impact. As your classmates present information on the biomes they researched, complete the Biomes Data Sheet. Based on the information that you gather from your classmates, and assuming that the temperature of the earth will either warm up or cool down by 5 degrees Celsius, predict changes that may occur in the various biomes over the next 1,000 years.

Reflection and/or Extension Activities:

Determine which world locations will provide the best farming in the year 2500 if the temperature changes 5-10 degrees Celsius. Write a short essay in which you state your selections and support those selections by providing details about the farming potential of those locations. Include data about the following environmental factors:

• Temperature range
• Average Precipitation
• Soil Characteristics
• Unusual physical Characteristics
• Plant life
• Animal life