*Exploring Ecosystems

*IntroductionJump on board explorers! Do you

enjoy adventures? Buckle up because here we go. We are going to travel across the Earth, into the oceans and to the tops of the very highest mountains in search of the largest predators and the tiniest prey in the interesting and exciting ecosystems of the world. Ready? Set? Here we go!

*Task*Welcome Explorers! You have

successfully made it to the first stop on your journey. As an explorer you will learn many new and exciting things on your journey through the ecosystems of the world! You will become experts on the ecosystem in a forest.

*You will then create a diorama on the ecosystem

*The diorama will include:*A one paragraph description of the

ecosystem on an index card.*The predators ,prey and habitat of the

ecosystem.

*Process1.) Begin your exploration by researching basic information about the forest.2.) Find pictures of the ecosystem you choose to continue your research.3.) Find out how plants and animals interact with one another. In other words, who eats who in your ecosystem?4.) Now you can begin to create your diorama!

*Process continued…5.) Find an empty box and turn it on its side so that you can

see inside the box.6.) Create the habitat or landscape for the ecosystem.7.) Then use fabric, tissue paper, or construction paper to add depth to the diorama by gluing pieces in the box.8.) Create the animals and plants that live in the forest ecosystem. 10.) Place the plants and animals in the correct way to show how they interact within the ecosystem.11.) Finally, write a paragraph about the ecosystem. Make sure to use the name of the ecosystem, the plants, and the animals in your paragraph. Make sure to include information about the way these plants and animals interact within your ecosystem. 

*Suggestions…*You may want to draw or create arrows to show the

interactions.*You may want to hand some of your creations from the roof

using string or fishing line*You may want to use real elements to put into the diorama.

Real grass clippings look great within a diorama about the rainforest, as does sand in a desert diorama.*Ask questions if you are unsure of any part of your diorama!

*Resources*Ecosystem Video*Geography for Kids*EcoKids*Biome information*National Geographic-Habitats

*Closure*You did it explorers! You researched a specific ecosystem and learned about the animals and plants that live in that ecosystem. You became an expert on the ecosystem through your exploration. Where will you go on your next exploration? What new and exciting things will you learn?

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1Research Accurate information

taken from several sources. Research is clearly evident in the diorama.

Accurate information taken from a couple of sources. Research is visible in the diorama.

Accurate information taken from a couple of sources. Some parts of the diorama are inaccurate.

Information taken from only one source and/or information is not accurate. Diorama is inaccurate and incomplete.

Animals Animals are creatively constructed and realistic.

Animals are pre-made.

Animals are not realistic or do not belong in the ecosystem.

Animals were not present or unrealistic.

Habitat The habitat is accurate with many details

The habitat is accurate with few details.

The habitat is accurate but includes no details.

The habitat is unrecognizable.

Paragraph Paragraph is well written and includes all essential information on the ecosystem. No spelling or grammar mistakes made.

Paragraph is missing one piece of information on the ecosystem. No spelling or grammar mistakes made.

Paragraph is missing two or more pieces of information about ecosystem. Few spelling or grammar errors.

Paragraph lacks important information about ecosystem displayed. Many spelling or grammar errors.

Creativity Several different materials are used. Many various details are shown.

Many common materials are used to show details

Some materials were used. Some details are shown.

Project lacks the use of details and materials.

3D The diorama is 3- Dimensional. Movement is included.

The diorama is 3D. The diorama is 2D. The diorama is 1D.

Neatness The project is neat and complete.

The project is falling apart but can be repaired.

The project is falling apart and can not be repaired.

The project looks thrown together and messy.

*Evaluation