Biomes
Around the World (Word
Document)
Students
participate in an ecology webquest that is modified
from Mrs.
LaCombe-Burby’s Ecology webquest. The
students conduct research on one particular biome
and gather the necessary material. Once they have
acquired their resources, they showcase their
biome in a visual, informative way. Some possible
choices are a poster, postcard, poem, fiction
writing piece, PowerPoint presentation, travel
brochure, scrapbook, and jeopardy game.
Subject
Area
Science
Grade Levels
5
Objectives
Students
will:
- Explore
the six major biomes of the world and select
a biome for their project.
-
Identify the location, climate, and factual
information about plants and animals located
in their biome. They will also include 7 to
10 interesting facts and a glossary of terms.
-
Design a project that incorporates all the research
information in a visual and informational way.
Internet
Used
Students collect their information from the following
websites:
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/
http://
www.worldbiomes.com
http://enchantedlearning.com
http://blueplanetbiomes.org/
Materials
Used
Computers, Internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft
PowerPoint, Publisher, CTX Machine, Projector,
Markers, Tea Bags, Pencils, Research
Packet (Word document), books/encyclopedias
Standards
Addressed
-
Students read and comprehend informational materials
from various resources.
- Students
use technology to enhance learning and promote
creativity.
- Students
gain knowledge about the Earth and the processes
that change it.
- Students
gather and present information using various
technology applications.
Assessment
The students are assessed through various rubrics.
See rubrics (Word
document).
Students
Involved
Four fifth-grade classes with an average size
of 23 students each. Students’ ability levels
vary greatly due to the fact that we are an inclusion
school. Our students possess the basic technology
skills from previous activities completed in our
STELLAR program.
Teacher Tips
- Teachers
should put together a timeline to keep the unit
moving as well as the appropriate times for
the mini lessons.
-
Teachers should check the readability of the
websites in order to differentiate instruction
appropriately.
Overall
Value
This unit is valuable to both students and teachers.
It meets the needs of the curriculum as well as
the needs of both gifted and needy students. Within
this unit the students are able to self-select
a biome and create a project that allows them
to utilize their gifts and talents in order to
share information. Students are also given the
opportunity to share their projects with their
classmates and parents during their Visitors Day
Celebration.
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Danielle
Salerno
Danielle
Salerno has been teaching for the past 16
years. Her first position was as a fourth
grade teacher at P.S. 148 in Queens. After
receiving a Masters in Educational Technology
from C.W. Post she went on to become a Computer
Technology Teacher and later a Magnet School
Theme Specialist. Currently, Danielle is
a Library Media Specialist in Rockville
Centre at Hewitt Elementary School. |
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