APES Ecosystems Project Page 1

Terrestrial Ecosystems/Biomes Project

For this project you will research an ecosystem/biome and create a power point or web page presentation (Glogster, Prezi, Google presentation, etc). You may use clip art, graphics from the Internet or photos that you scan but remember to site your sources in your bibliography. We will need between 7-9 groups.

Your project will include:

Ecosystem Name: A title page.

Location: A world map with your ecosystem/biome clearly highlighted.

Environment: A description of climatic conditions in this ecosystem:

seasonal temperature ranges

rainfall patterns

topography

elevations

latitude

**You will also need to include a climatograph for your ecosystem

*You will need to do this for each of the regions that fall into your broad category, but

You’ll probably need just one.

Flora: A description of the plant life found here. Characteristics of the plants, adaptations for survival, pollination and seed dispersal strategies, any interesting symbiotic or other relationships with insects or animals. And a list of at least 8 species of plants indigenous to your ecosystem.

Fauna: A description of the animal life found in this region. Describe the animals' characteristics and adaptations for survival in this habitat. Also include a list of 8 specific animals.

Food Webs: Identify the main predators and illustrate food webs with at least 10 species. The food web should include all trophic levels; try to include decomposers/recyclers.

Threats: Identify and describe threats or problems in this ecosystem created by humans, and attempted or possible solutions.

Importance: Describe the implications to our planet if this ecosystem is lost. An example would be climatic changes from loss of tropical rainforests.

Quiz – Your group will need to write a 5 question multiple choice style quiz based on the information you present to the class. Yes, you should have the answers to your questions.

Short Response (think Mini FRQ) – Your group will need to write 2 open-ended style questions that could be used as potential short response questions. Try to think of concepts or issues that are interrelated that students can elaborate upon to show their understanding.

Bibliography: your sources on information, and graphics.

Credits: a page that lists your group members names and the role each had in the project.

Assessment:

Your grade will consist of 2 parts:

An overall grade based on the criteria in the rubric and the presentation of the ecosystem/biome.

A participation score according to your groups’ assessment of your participation. This will be an average of the scores (including your eval of yourself) out of 10 points

Project Rubric

Projects will be graded according to these criteria unless a more specific rubric has been attached to your instructions.

Format and Presentation (20):

Format
(see assignment)
5 points / Format is followed according to the directions given.
5 points / Much of the format was followed, but some components are missing.
2-4 points / Students did not follow the directions for format.
0 - 2 points
Creativity/Neatness
10 points / Exceptional, students strive for originality
10 points / Project is creative and neat.
5 - 9 points / Minimal creativity, apparently little effort made on presentation.
0 - 5 points
Presentation
5 points / All students participating. Members have clear understanding of information
10 points / All students participating. Some members seem strong than others in comfort level
5 - 9 points / Not all students participate
Sounds week in information
0 - 5 points

Content (40):

Accuracy
15 points / All content is accurate, and demonstrates mastery of the subject matter.
13-15 points / Most of the content accurate, with some misunderstandings and inaccuracies.
5-12 points / Content is largely incorrect; shows major misunderstandings of the material.
0 - 5 points
Clarity
10 points / Material is written and displayed in VERY clear and understandable language.
13-15 points / Topics are mostly understandable, but occasionally unclear or confusing.
5 - 12 points / Unclear; difficult to follow and understand.
0 - 5 points
Thoroughness/
Completeness
15 points / ALL topics are addressed in a thorough but concise manner.
15 points / Most components are included: some information may be left out.
5 - 10 points / Topic is inadequately discussed; incomplete work.
0 - 5 points

Questions (20):

Multiple Choice Questions
10 points / Questions demonstrate understanding of details and interconnectedness of ecosystem/biome
10 points / Questions show moderate understanding but somewhat confusion and/or simplistic
5-9 points / Questions show minimal effort and understanding only drawing upon the most simple concepts
0-5 points
FRQ Questions
10 points / Questions demonstrate understanding of details and interconnectedness of ecosystem/biomes
10 points / Questions show moderate understanding but somewhat confusion and/or simplistic
5-9 points / Questions show minimal effort and understanding only drawing upon the most simple concepts
0-5 points

TOTAL = 80 points