Background / Task / Resources / Evaluation /
Outcomes
Background: Wetlands
were once thought of as useless lands full of insects that promoted disease.
Many wetlands were drained and filled to become more "useful." The
destruction of wetlands has resulted in the loss of a valuable natural resource.
Please join us in an exploration of wetlands and learn why they are useful
and important.
|
|
|
| Mudskipper | Migrating Birds | Crab |
Task: Here are the topics to be explored:
1. Define wetlands.
2. Explain how wetlands are useful in the following areas:
a. flood control
b. water purification
c. migrating animals
d. farming
e. soil erosion
3.
Describe the biotic and abiotic characteristics of a bog.
4.
Describe the biotic and abiotic characteristics of a swamp.
5.
Describe the biotic and abiotic characteristics of a
freshwater marsh.
6.
Describe the biotic and abiotic characteristics of a salt marsh.
7.
Describe the biotic and abiotic characteristics of a
mangrove swamp. Include the special adaptations
made
by the mangrove trees.
Students will be divided into groups of four. Each group will explore one of the tasks listed above. After completing the exploration, each group will use PowerPoint to create a presentation of what they have learned.
Resources: Use the
sites and books listed below to help in your
exploration.
Sites
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/vital/wetlands.html
http://splash.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/wetlands.htm
http://www.audubon.org/campaign/wetland/ecosystem.html
http://octopus.gma.org/katahdin/bog.html
http://www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/wetlands/chintro.htm
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/refuges/c065.html
http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/tourFames.cgi?tour_id=13057
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/fresh/index.htm
http://www.tarleton.edu/~dekeith/mangroves.html
Books
Swamps
and Marshes by Francene Sabin
Let's
Take A Trip to the Everglades by Cheryl Koenig Morgan
Swamps
by Sheila Gore
Evaluation: Students will
be graded using the following rubric.
Group Work
PowerPoint
Presentation
| 10 points 9 points 8 points 7 points |
Listens to ideas of others always; shares work;
always on task; discussion
using 1-inch voice Usually listens to ideas of others; usually shares work; usually on task; discussion sometimes louder than 1-inch standard Sometimes listens to ideas of others; sometimes shares work; sometimes on task; discussion often louder than 1-inch standard Not willing to listen to ideas of others; doesn't share work; frequently off task; frequently louder than 1-inch standard |
20points 19 points 18 points 17 points |
Presentation contains accurate information; follows directions as given in "task" portion of the webquest; presents information in a creative way; no misspelled words Presentation contains accurate information; follows directions as given in "task" portion of the webquest; presents information in a creative way; 1-2 misspelled words Presentation contains accurate information; most directions are followed in "task" portion of the webquest; presents information; 3-4 misspelled words Presentation contains inaccurate information; some directions are followed in "task" portion of the webquest; information presented is incomplete; 5 misspelled words |
*Please Note: Off-task behavior, based on teacher
observation, will result in one point taken off final grade for each occurence.
Outcomes: Upon completion,the students will be able to distinguish between different types of wetlands. They will be able to identify abiotic and biotic factors of each type, as well as adaptations made by plants and animals. Students will understand how wetlands help with flood control, water pollution, farming, and soil erosion prevention. Students will learn the importance of working together in groups to accomplish their goals, and they will learn how to use PowerPoint.
