Biomes Around the World (Word Document)

Students participate in an ecology webquest that is modified from Mrs. LaCombe-Burby’s Ecology webquest. The students conduct research on one particular biome and gather the necessary material. Once they have acquired their resources, they showcase their biome in a visual, informative way. Some possible choices are a poster, postcard, poem, fiction writing piece, PowerPoint presentation, travel brochure, scrapbook, and jeopardy game.

Subject Area
Science

Grade Levels
5

Objectives

Students will:

• Explore the six major biomes of the world and select a biome for their project.
• Identify the location, climate, and factual information about plants and animals located in their biome. They will also include 7 to 10 interesting facts and a glossary of terms.
• Design a project that incorporates all the research information in a visual and informational way.

Internet Used
Students collect their information from the following websites:

http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/

http:// www.worldbiomes.com

http://www.enchantedlearning.com

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/

Materials Used
Computers, Internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Publisher, CTX Machine, Projector, Markers, Tea Bags, Pencils, Research Packet (Word document), books/encyclopedias

Standards Addressed

• Students read and comprehend informational materials from various resources.
• Students use technology to enhance learning and promote creativity.
• Students gain knowledge about the Earth and the processes that change it.
• Students gather and present information using various technology applications.

Assessment
The students are assessed through various rubrics. See rubrics (Word document).

Students Involved
Four fifth-grade classes with an average size of 23 students each. Students’ ability levels vary greatly due to the fact that we are an inclusion school. Our students possess the basic technology skills from previous activities completed in our STELLAR program.

Teacher Tips

• Teachers should put together a timeline to keep the unit moving as well as the appropriate times for the mini lessons.
• Teachers should check the readability of the websites in order to differentiate instruction appropriately.

Overall Value
This unit is valuable to both students and teachers. It meets the needs of the curriculum as well as the needs of both gifted and needy students. Within this unit the students are able to self-select a biome and create a project that allows them to utilize their gifts and talents in order to share information. Students are also given the opportunity to share their projects with their classmates and parents during their Visitors Day Celebration.