BIOME PROJECT!

Students may choose any of the 8 biomes we have studied in class.  They will construct a model of the biome to illustrate the various biotic and abiotic factors unique to that biome.

Procedure: Students will build a three-dimensional model of a biome inside a box (no larger than a shoebox) using everyday materials. Included in the model should be representative examples of flora and fauna (plants and animals), and it should show the terrain (mountainous, flat, shoreline, etc.). The inside walls of the box should be decorated (painted, collaged with photos, etc.).

Taped onto one side of the box should be an organized, written description of all of the characteristics of the biome (elevation, precipitation levels, climate, flora, fauna, etc). Be sure to include the biome name. 

Taped onto the other side of the box should be a world map, created by the student, which indicates the locations of this biome.

Students may also choose an enrichment extension to accompany their project.

Extensions:

  1. Creative writing:
    1. Choose an animal or plant in your biome that you might like to become. Write an autobiography about yourself as that organism in which you tell about your life history from birth or germination to death. Describe your interactions with abiotic and biotic factors in your environment. Include a discussion of your daily routine.  Your final copy should be at least one typed page.
  2. Travel Project:
    1. Identify a national park or other natural attraction located in the biome you chose. Write a letter requesting brochures, maps, photos, and information on the history, geology, climate, wildlife, recreational opportunities, points of interest, and man's influence on the ecosystems there. Include a copy of the letters you write and any responses you may receive.  This information should be supplemented with library research and/or interviews of individuals who may have toured the park.  Create a poster or another way to display the information you find about the area. 
  3. Biome Song/Dance
    1. Write and perform an original song (any style) about the biome you have created.  Be sure to include specific details so we can remember which biome you are singing about.  The song should have at least 2 verses and a chorus.  Students may video or record their song to show in class or be prepared to perform it for the class.  Include a copy of the lyrics with your project.
  4. Adaptation Relations
    1. We have discussed how plants and animals have adapted to their surroundings.  Find specific examples of adaptations in our environment and take photographs of them.  You may present them in a collage, power point or another creative way.  You will also write a 1 page paper explaining the adaptations.  Your final copy should be at least one typed page.

 

Students should be prepared to present all enrichment activities to the class.

 

Be sure to read the rubric so you know what is expected to earn all points possible! J

 

CATEGORY

0

1

2

3

4

Examples of flora and fauna

I did not include any examples.

I only included 1 or 2 examples.

I included 3-5 examples.

I included at least 6 examples.

I included 10 or more examples.

Terrain

I did not represent the terrain.

I showed one part of the terrain.

I showed a few parts of the terrain.

I represented a lot of the terrain

I accurately represented the entire terrain.

Decorated inside

I did not decorate the inside of my box.

I decorated a small portion of my box

I decorated half of my box.

I decorated most of my box.

I decorated my entire box.

Characteristics list

I did not write a characteristics list.

I listed 1 or 2 characteristics of my biome.

I listed 3 or 4 characteristics of my biome

I listed at least 10 biotic and abiotic factors of my biome including climate, location and other interesting facts.

I listed all of the biotic and abiotic factors of my biome that I could find including climate, location and other interesting facts.

Map

I did not make a map.

I used a printed map from somewhere else.

I colored a map to show where my biome is located.

I colored a map to show where my biome is located.

I drew a map to show where my biome is located and included a key and a title.

Biome Model: 20 pts. Possible                     Points Earned:                 

 

Standards based grading scale:

4 = 18-20        3* = 16-17      3 = 9-15          2 = 5-8                        1 = 0-4