Curriculum Alignment

Survival of the Everglades

"...this fragile shoreline, with its mangroves, coastal hammock and ancient reef, is a precious part of very little that still survives of our unique environment". Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Research Process		Activities
	Scenario	In the novel,The Missing 'Gator Of Gumbo Limbo, published in 1992, the delicate ecological balance of an island hammock in the Florida Everglades is threatened by human interference. Today, almost ten years after the publication of The Missing 'Gator Of Gumbo Limbo , there still exist man-made threats to the land and wildlife of the Everglades. Over the years conservationists have attempted to preserve this fragile and fast-shrinking environment. Efforts to protect what is left of the Everglades continue today. "The Everglades are a test. If we pass it, we get to keep the planet". Joe Podger, Environmentalist  Why are the Everglades a "test," and why should we, as citizens of Maryland, be concerned about passing this "test"? Read about the Florida Everglades.
	Task	Research the history of conservation of the Everglades and the ways in which the environment can be protected.
	Product	Create a PowerPoint presentation for your school community which highlights the history of the Everglades, presents suggestions for conservation efforts, and persuades your Maryland audience that they too need to be concerned about this particular Florida environmental issue.
	Assessment	Grading for this project will be based on daily participation as well as the final product. PowerPoint Presentation Group Work
	Questions	What information about the Florida Everglades should you present to educate your audience about the existing threats to the environment and persuade them to join in efforts to protect the area and its inhabitants? Who are some of the people who have advocated for the preservation of the Florida Everglades? How long has there been a problem? What are the threats to the environment and inhabitants in the Everglades? What can be done to preserve the environment? Why are the Everglades a "test," and why should we, as citizens of Maryland, be concerned about passing the "test"?
	Gather	Use this guide to find online information about the Everglades. Use Electric Library. Use this planning sheet to record your information. Use these guide sheets for helpful tips during your research: Using a Web Browser Using a Book Index
	Organize	Synthesize: Use the information you have gathered on your planning sheet to create your PowerPoint presentation. Evaluate: Review the assessment for your PowerPoint presenation to make sure you have included all the information required. If you have not answered all the questions, go back and use the resources to find the missing information.
	Conclude	Share your PowerPoint presentation with your class. Listen carefully as your classmates present their information. After everyone has shared their PowerPoint presentations, decide, as a class, in which conservation activities students could become involved. Also discuss why Marylanders should get involved in the Florida evironment. Post a "Declaration of Action" to let other students in your school know what your class will be doing to help preserve the Florida Everglades and why.