Habitats and Communities - Biome

The Process

1)  Choose your habitat:

Use the link below to look at different images or information about habitats.  Once your have your habitat in mind, you can begin your research.

2) Researching your habitat:

Use the graphic organizer to help guide and organize your research.  Your information can be gathered using point form or jot notes.  As you research the different sections, if you come across a producer or consumer that you are not aware of, remember that you can use another Google search to research an image or information about that particular piece of information.  Some items to consider:

• You should have about 4 to 5 different producers and consumers to help build your biome.  If you want to include more, feel free but use the guideline of 4 or 5 to help focus your time on the research portion of this assignment.
• When including information for the brief description of your habitat, also consider including 4 or 5 main ideas or points to help focus the design of your biome.
• As you create your food chain, be sure to make it realistic.  Remember that all food chains begin with the sun!
• When researching the human impact in your habitat, consider focusing on one issue instead of multiple issues.  Remember human impact should also be incorporated into the design of your biome.  For example, if you are doing a coral reef or beach, you may want to have some plastic or garbage piled up somewhere in your biome.

3) Creating a list of materials:

After completing your research, the last step before building your biome will be to create list of materials that you will need.  Everyone needs to bring some sort of box or container to build your biome in.  From there, consider using items around your house to bring it to help build your biome.  Only if necessary, should you ask your family to make a trip to the Dollar Store to purchase materials.

Pictures can be printed and placed in your biome.  You do not need to find little models of animals to include in your biome.  

Remember:  You are being ASSESSED on the knowledge and understanding that you show through the visual representation of your biome.  Bonus marks are NOT awarded for those who use plastic little animals instead of printed pictures!

4) Create your biome

You will have lots of class time to build and create your biome.  Use your research as a guide to ensure that you are creating a realistic and information driven biome.  Have fun.  Be creative.  

Mrs. Cliff will check in with you along the process to ensure you are on the right track.  Ask questions.  Collaborate with friends.  Share resources and ideas so that all of your classmates can be successful!

5) Prepare for your presentation

You will be sharing your hard work with a select group of students.  Before the holiday break, you will presenting your findings and biome to a group of students so that they can learn about the different habitats that exist in our world.  Practice what you are going to say, showcasing the producers, consumers, food chains and human impact in your habitat!