Biomes

Biomes

Task Definition:

OBJECTIVES

1. To learn that the biosphere or living globe is divided into large ecosystems called BIOMES
2. To describe the characteristics of one major land biome, using a multi-arts approach.

INTRODUCTION

TUNDRA

TAIGA

TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST

GRASSLAND

TROPICAL RAIN FOREST

DESERT

SHRUBLANDS

PROJECT

You will be assigned to a biome group. Your group will complete a project that includes the following three activities:

1. WRITING
*Create a "Biome Brochure" in which you will describe your biome. This brochure should include the following:

A. Cover: Design that is appealing!
B. Essay: Describe your biome
C. Poetry: A cinquain poem about the biome
D. Fantasy: You are a travel agent! Plan a 5-day itinerary of fun and exciting activities for a visitor to do in your biome! Sell your biome!
E. Fun Facts:

This brochure will be done on the computer. A template for the brochure is available on the MHS network.

2. ARTWORK

3. PRESENTATION

Do not simply read from your brochure!

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Possible Sources of Information:

BOOKS
      * MHS - search the catalog for "biomes" or your specific biome.
      * Medfield Public Library - search the town's collections by clicking here

DATABASES
      * InfoTrac - Expanded Academic Index and/or General Reference Center

WEB PAGES
      * Introduction to Biomes A to Z: facts plus maps and pictures. From the Virtual Geography Project of Radford University
      * World Biomes Project Deserts, Forests, Grasslands, Tundra
      * What's it Like Where You Live? From the Evergreen Project; Excellent pictures, factual data. User-friendly!
      * Environment Canada: Green Lane Focuses on Canadian ecosystems: Prairie, Boreal and Arctic. Excellent maps.

SEARCH ENGINES
      * Yahoo
      * Google

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Evaluation:

Rubric

	Magnificent *A (30-27)*	Effective *B (26-24)*	Adequate *C (23-21)*	Poor *D (20-18)*
BROCHURE (30 points)	Amount of info/creativity exceeds requirement Clear and logical organization of information; well-written, and essays have intro and conclusion Excellent use of environmentally appropriate vocab. All spelling and punctuation accurate	Amount of info / creativity meets requirement Most of brochure is well-written and shows organization Some artwork added to enhance the brochure Some use of environmentally appropriate vocabulary *Few spelling and punctuation errors	Amount of info / creativity is lacking Organization and writing skills are adequate Little use of artwork Little use of environmentally appropriate vocabulary *Several errors in spelling and punctuation	Amount of info does not meet requirement No creativity No organization No artwork Environmentally appropriate vocabulary is not used Numerous errors in spelling and punctuation
ARTWORK (30 points)	Outstanding artwork: colorful, creative, 3-dimensional, visually appealing Many biotic and abiotic factors shown "Crisis" in 2nd display is clearly and creatively depicted World map is attached to display and location of biome creatively depicted	Artwork is 3-dimensional and effective Some biotic and abiotic factors are shown Display of the "crisis" in the biome is effective World map is attached - location of biome depicted	Artwork is adequate-not colorful or creative and/or some part of display is not 3-dimensional. Minimum number of biotic and abiotic factors are shown. Display of "crisis" is adequate. World map not attached to display and/or location of biome not clearly shown.	No creativity used in artwork Poor display of biotic and abiotic factors. Display of "crisis" is inadequate. No world map.
PRESENTATION (30 points)	Maximum information presented-main ideas are fully developed and supported with details. Shows enthusiasm. Uses multiple visual materials and other creative means to clarify and illustrate important points. Speaks in a clear, easy and natural manner, using eye contact.	Information presented meets requirements-main ideas presented and supported with details. Shows enthusiasm. Holds attention of class most of the time. 2 visuals and some creativity used to clarify and illustrate important points. *Speaks in a clear, easy and natural manner most of the time-usually, there is eye contact.	Adequate information presented. Little enthusiasm shown. Often does not hold attention of class. One visual and little creativity used. Reads his speech-little creativity used. Does not speak in a clear manner-seems nervous-limited eye contact.	Amount of info does not meet requirement. No creativity. No organization. No artwork. Environmentally appropriate vocabulary is not used. Numerous errors in spelling and punctuation.
GROUP PRESENTATION (10 Points)	Highly cooperative-all tasks shared equally.	Most tasks shared equally.	1 group member not cooperating.	2 or more group members not cooperating.

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