Exploring Biomes

Grade Level: This webquest was created around fifth grade objectives, but could easily be adapted for grades 4th-7th.

 

Focus: The focus of this webquest is to guide students through their own learning about the biomes of the world.  My intent is for each student/group to become experts in one of the six biomes included, but to also have the desire to learn about others upon completion of their project.

 

Science Objectives:

1.01 Describe and compare several common ecosystems (communities of organisms and their interaction with the environment).

1.03 Explain why an ecosystem can support a variety of organisms.

1.04 Discuss and determine the role of light, temperature, and soil composition in an ecosystem's capacity to support life.

1.05 Determine the interaction of organisms within an ecosystem.

1.06 Explain and evaluate some ways that humans affect ecosystems.

    * Habitat reduction due to development.
    * Pollutants.
    * Increased nutrients.

 

Standards: 

I have several goals for students who participate in this webquest. I would like them to have a better understanding of two specific strands of science: the nature of science and the ways in which personal and social perspectives affect biomes and our surroundings.  These strands are addressed through the areas the students are researching and the questions posed during the task requirements.

 

Resources:

To complete the webquest students need copies of the following:

• paper
• pencil
• internet access
  
• world map (for task #4d)
• research checklist
• copy of task #4 questions
  

This webquest should take place over a period of one week. I believe the students could use 2-3 days for internet exploration and 1-2 days for the creation of their pamphlet. The last day would be for the presentation of their projects.

Credits:

I am thankful for the numerous websites used during the creation of this webquest. Several of the websites are:

 

• The University of California Museum of Paleontology
• Missouri Botanical Garden (MBGnet)
  
• BluePlanetBiomes.org
• Earth Floor: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/biomes.html
• Worldbiomes.com
• Teacherfirst.com
  
• Eduplace.com which provides great, free maps for teachers:  http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/