BIOMES WEB QUEST
Introduction You have a new summer job working for a travel agent. You have been hired to create brochures and posters that will persuade travelers to visit a specific geographical biome. You have the opportunity to be extremely creative for the summer!
The Task Working in groups of three or four, divide up the task of researching one of the six biomes: Tundra, Taiga, Temperate Deciduous Forest, Tropical Rain Forest, Grasslands and Desert. You will organize the information into a brochure and illustrate the biome ecosystem in a poster. Each group member will assemble a brochure to present to a group of travel agents selling different biomes.
The Process First, meet with your assigned group and read through the entire webquest. Once you are familiar with what you will be doing, brainstorm ways to accomplish your tasks. To brainstorm effectively, you should take on roles such as recorder, to write down all group members ideas; task master, to mediate and keep everyone on task; and a audio master, to be a good listener to make sure that all group members' ideas get recorded. Agree upon the best way to accomplish your task and make a quick plan. Each group member should make a list of the research and work he or she is responsible for. Research your biome topics. (See Resources and Criteria lists.) When you are researching, make sure that you save all of your work in the same place each day, whether it is in a folder, notebook or on a computer. Keep track of who is logged in on the computer and where you save your information so that you can find it when you need it. Meet with your group. Exchange information and discuss findings. If you find that you need more information in some areas, research further.
Use the brochure template to compile your research information. Directions are provided on the template for you to follow. This brochure should be approved by me before you print a final copy (we will print in color) so we don't waste paper or ink. Meet with your group. If you did not break up jobs to complete the poster, brainstorm and agree on how you want your poster to be completed, then do so. Complete poster. We will find a place to display these (probably in the hallway) so make sure that you are neat and careful. You will be reassigned to a group that will include at least one member from each biome. Meet with that group. Share your biome information and brochures. Create a chart listing ten similarities and ten differences among the characteristics of each biome. Turn your chart in to a hand-in tray. Make sure all the members of your group are listed on the chart. Hand in your brochure in a separate hand-in tray. Click on the self evaluation link and print the worksheet. Complete the self evaluation worksheet.
Brochure Each group member will create a brochure. All brochures must include the following: Name of biome Labeled map illustrating biome location(s) Landforms Animal life Plant life Climate Your brochure must be edited and assembled in a neat, organized manner.
Poster Your poster may be drawn and colored or made with cut and pasted pictures, but must include the following: Biome name Landforms Prevailing precipitation obvious Ten animals Ten plants
Resources Internet Biome Links: http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm You may also use the Google bar - type in the name of your biome - be careful where you go when you are on the internet... Encyclopedias Public library, classroom library collection School library Zoo Books
Evaluation & Reflection RUBRIC: http://sm139.k12.sd.us/biomewebquest_files/rubrics.htm Chart comparing similarities and differences among biomes Biome brochure /SELF REFLECTION: http://sm139.k12.sd.us/biomewebquest_files/self_eval.htm
Conclusion You have now published a brochure about a geographical biome. How did your biome compare to other biomes? What were the similarities and differences?