Brotherhood of the Biomes

Brotherhood within the Biomes
An internet research project on animal habitats

created by Melanie Lewis

Introduction

You are going on an adventure to an animal’s habitat. You will learn as much as possible about this habitat and the life within it. The links provided will get you started. Once you have looked through all the habitats below, decide on an animal from one of these biomes that you are interested in knowing more about. Then print out the animal research questions. Use these questions to help you gather information on your animal by further researching the biome the animal is found in. You may also use encyclopedias, your science textbook, and other reference materials. Once you have finished researching the different habitats and the animals that live there, click on the biome raft and complete it to show what you have learned.

Your Task

1. Look up and record the definitions to the words listed in the section entitled The Basics. Your teacher may ask you to record these in your science notebook or you may write them down on the back of you Animal Research Graphic Organizer.

2. Print out the Animal Research Graphic Organizer. Browse through the biomes listed in the habitat section. Choose one animal that you are interested in and use your organizer to gather information on your animal while you are searching. In the top middle cell of the graphic orgainzer you are given instructions for what belongs in the rest of the cells.

3. Now that your research is finished, choose a role, format, and audience and complete the raft project.

The Internet Resources

The Basics

Science Dictionary - Look up the following terms using this dictionary or one provided by your teacher. Write the words and defintions in your science journal. You will need this basic information to help you in your research. [producer, consumer, decomposer,herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, predictor, prey, adaptation, hibernation, migration, camouflage, mimicry, instinct, and learned behavior, interdependency, population, and community.]

Habitats

Temperate Forest Biome Field Trip - The following areas can be explored through looking at the temperate forest biome: The unique characteristics that define the temperate forest biome. The animals that live in the temperate forest. The seasonal changes that occur in the forest. The relationship humans have with the forest. The responsibility humans have to protect the plants and animals in the forest.
Desert Biome Field Trip - Students will be introduced to deserts in a number of environments, including Africa, North and South America, and Australia. Students will learn some basic principles about deserts. Students will be taken to various Web sites where they can research various types of information about deserts.
Ocean Biome Field Trip - Students will learn some basic principles about oceans. Students will be taken to various Web sites where they can research various types of information about oceans. Students will be introduced to an assortment of sea life, both plant and animal.
Rainforest Field Trip - Students will learn about what defines a rainforest. Students will learn about the environmental impact of eliminating rainforests. Students will learn about what animals live in the rainforest. Students will learn about the Inidigenous people of the rainforest.
Salt Marshes Field Trip - Students will be introduced to the coastal environment through participation in a field study of the beach, dunes, estuary, and salt marsh habitats. Students will take part in an on-site group discussion and activity at each area to learn about how the habitat formed. Students will look for and find evidence of life at each habitat. They will use field guides to find out what the organisms are and how these organisms fit into the food chain. Students will utilize sampling equipment in the study. Students will develop group cooperation skills through team studies.
Animal Adaptations - A webquest that allows students to investigate animal adaptation, the ways that animals 'adapt' — develop certain traits and behaviors over time — to suit their environment.
Bank Street School for Children - A photo gallery and information about various animals the students at Bank Street school researched.
Artic Wildlife Portfolio - Biologist Doug Siegel-Causey shares his knowledge and special insights about this icy world and it's inhabitants.
Biomes of North America - A biome is a large geographic area with similar or unique plants, animals, and climate. Biomes are a great place to see the importance of community and diversity in nature.

What have I learned?

Raft Rubric - This rubric will be used to grade the raft projects.

Now What?

If you finish early or find yourself waiting for the teacher, you may choose from one of the following activities.