After completing the Science Trail around our community, we learned that there are at least three different ecosystems around us. We explored a wetlands area, a woods/forest area, and a grasslands area. We investigated what kinds of things happen in those particular types of ecosystem by seeing the types of animals that live there, the kinds of plants that grow there, and the types of activities that go on there. This Web Quest is designed to dig deeper into these ecosystems and learn more about them.
With the same groups you were in during the Science Trail, you will complete the following:
1. Assign each member in the group a role to carry out during this project. These people will be responsible for performing their role during this whole project. The roles are:
| 1. recorder: writes down the information and fills out the group's worksheets |
| 2. motivator: helps the group get excited and come up with creative ideas |
| 3. on-task checker: helps the group stay on task and makes sure everything is turned in on time |
| 4. reviewer: looks over the assignments before handing them in to make sure everything is filled out and is correct |
2. Explore this website about ecosystems. Print off a Facts Page for each person in the group. Each person needs to write down five facts they learned about ecosystems while exploring this site.
3. Now that you know what an ecosystem is, take this time to look back at the observations you made about the three ecosystems we explored during our Science Trail. As a group, create a poster board that lists some similarities and difference of the ecosystems. There should be at least three similarities and three differences listed on the poster board. Be creative with your poster! You may use pictures to help with the displays. If you would like to use pictures, check out this cool website: Awesome Clipart
4. You will now be looking at one of the ecosystems a little closer. As a group, choose one of the ecosystems you explored in the Science Trail. First, print off one research page per group (Not everyone has to fill one out. I only need one per group, but everyone must help fill it out.) Now, do some research on this particular ecosystem using the research page as a guide. Use following website to help to you do your research. (MBGNet)
5. After you have filled out your research page, you will be recreating your ecosystem with your group. To do this, you will need to decide what type display you will use (shoe box, poster board, piece of wood, etc...). Once that is decided, you need to come up with a list of materials you will need to make the display. Make a list of the materials and give it to your teacher so she/he can get the supplies you need.
6. Once you have your supplies, create your masterpiece. This should be a real model of the ecosystem, but it is also your time to be creative! :)
7. To help others understand your ecosystem, each person needs to write a paragraph (4 to 5 sentences) explaining it. This paragraph should include the type of ecosystem it is, what types of animals and plants live there, and one interesting fact about this ecosystem that you learned. You also need another paragraph explaining why you think this ecosystem is important to your community.
8. Congratulations on making it this far. You have put a lot of time into this project. It is finally time to show off all of your hard work! Your group will present your ecosystem display to the class.