3 rd Grade Biome and Animal WebQuest How Natural is a Zoo?

Based on the Pennsylvania State Standards: Geography Standards: A Describe and locate places and regions (in the United States/world) A Identify the physical characteristics of places and regions (weather and climate, vegetation and animals of biomes) B Identify the impacts of people on physical systems (ways humans change the local ecosystems) Environment and Ecology Standards: A Know that plants, animals and humans are dependent on air and water A Understand that living things are dependent on nonliving things in the environment for survival Identify a simple ecosystem and its living and nonliving components Identify the animals that live in the ecosystems B Know that adaptations are important for survival Science Standards A Know the similarities and differences of living things (external characteristics and environmental habitats, describe basic needs of plants and animals)

Let’s Get Started… Read the rules below, then click on “Introduction” to start your task.  Introduction Introduction  REMBEMBER: You are a member of a group. Be patient. Follow the directions CAREFULLY! Share your information. Enjoy your task!!  Task Task  Process Process  PA Standards PA Standards  Evaluation Evaluation  Resources Resources  Conclusion Conclusion  Teacher Page Teacher Page

Introduction: Easton is planning to open a new zoo next year and they need your help! You and the other scientists in the class will help the zoo coordinators design one of seven areas of the new zoo. Each area is a different biome or environment, with its own characteristics, animals and ways to survive. The seven biomes are: wetlands, tundra, desert, prairie, oceans, temperate forests and tropical rainforests (click to see the biomes).click to see the biomes Each group will be assigned a biome to find more information on. How would the animals’ lives be different in the zoo than in the wild? How would they be the same? How can we create the most natural type of zoo? Is there a zoo that can be exactly like the wild? Is it better for an animal to live in the wild or in a zoo? Your goal is to make the zoo as close to real life as possible. Together, let’s create a terrific, natural zoo! IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Back to Intro.

Task Our area is in need of a natural zoo. As a class we have been asked to help create the different sections of the zoo. You and your group of scientists will: 1. Become experts on your biome. 2. Each scientist in the group will research one common animal (each a different type of animal) found in the biome. oWhat type animal is it? (mammal, amphibian, etc…) oWhat does it eat? oHow does it protect itself from danger? oWhat animals, if any, like to eat it? oHow does it survive in its biome? 3. Write directions to the zoo keepers on how to care for these animals in the zoo. 4. Create and then present to the zoo directors the a detailed plan using the appropriate dimensions. 5. After your plan has been approved, write a paper persuading others to believe whether it is better for animals to live in a zoo or in the wild. IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Process STEP 1: What are the 7 Biomes? Watch a short video with pictures of each biome two times through. (click here to view)click here to view Record observations about each biome while watching the video for the 2 nd time. In small groups, match the names of the biomes with the information collected. Compare and contrast the biomes. Choose a biome that most interests you to complete the rest of the unit. Respond in your “Biome Journal” about the essential questions CLICK HERE FOR ESSENTIAL QUESTIONSCLICK HERE FOR ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Step 1: What are the 7 Biomes?What are the 7 Biomes? Step 2: Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Research Step 3: Animal ResearchAnimal Research Step 4: Animal CareAnimal Care Step 5: Zoo LayoutZoo Layout Step 6: Zoo or the Wild?Zoo or the Wild? IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Essential Questions How would the animals’ lives be different in the zoo than in the wild? How would their lives be the same? How can we create the most natural type of zoo? Is there a zoo that can be exactly like the wild? Is it better for an animal to live in a zoo or in the wild? IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Process continued… STEP 2: Ecosystem Info. Join with the other members of your biome specialist team. Watch a video to find out more information. (click here for videos)click here for videos Find information about your biome. Choose a member of your group to find information on each of the following biome characteristics: Climate – find at least 3 pictures of the biome (rainfall and temperature sections of worksheet). Animals – find at least 5 native animals and their pictures (animals section of worksheet). Plants/location – find at least 3 native plants and their pictures (plants and location sections of worksheet). For information: Read some library books that focus on your biome. Check out some helpful websites on the “Resources” page of this WebQuest (look under BIOMES). Write in your “Biome Journal” about: “How can we create the most natural type of zoo?”. IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page Step 1: What are the 7 Biomes?What are the 7 Biomes? Step 2: Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Research Step 3: Animal ResearchAnimal Research Step 4: Animal CareAnimal Care Step 5: Zoo LayoutZoo Layout Step 6: Zoo or the Wild?Zoo or the Wild?

Process continued… STEP 3: Animal Research Each member must choose an animal to research. Use some animals that you found previously. You must be able to answer the following questions: What type animal is it? (mammal, amphibian, etc…) What does it eat? How does it protect itself from danger? What animals, if any, like to eat it? How does it survive in its ecosystem? Find a picture of your animal. Take notes on the worksheet provided. For information: Look under the ANIMALS section on the “Resources” page. Use the books provided from the library. Write in your Biome Journal about: “How would animals lives be the same in the zoo as in the wild?” IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page Step 1: What are the 7 Biomes?What are the 7 Biomes? Step 2: Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Research Step 3: Animal ResearchAnimal Research Step 4: Animal CareAnimal Care Step 5: Zoo LayoutZoo Layout Step 6: Zoo or the Wild?Zoo or the Wild?

Process continued… STEP 4: Animal Adaptations and Care Once you know the basics about your animal, find out how your animal survives in its biome. Read through the directions of “How to Take Care of a Dog” and “How to Take Care of a Parakeet” provided by your teacher. (this will give you samples of how to write your care guide) What special characteristics does your animal have? Write detailed directions (based on factual information) about how to take care of your animal in a zoo environment. What will it eat? How often will it eat? When does it sleep? Should people be allowed near it? Are there animals that it should not be around? Write in your “Biome Journal” about: “How would the animals lives be different in the zoo than in the wild?” IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page Step 1: What are the 7 Biomes?What are the 7 Biomes? Step 2: Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Research Step 3: Animal ResearchAnimal Research Step 4: Animal CareAnimal Care Step 5: Zoo LayoutZoo Layout Step 6: Zoo or the Wild?Zoo or the Wild?

Process continued… STEP 5: Zoo Layout Watch a virtual tour of the St. Louis Zoo to get some ideas for your zoo layout. ( Learn about area and perimeter. Practice finding both. Design a layout on graph paper within the specified limits. (check with zoo director—TEACHER– before you complete this part of the task!) Complete the final copy of the zoo layout with pictures of animals and plants from your biome. Explain in your “Biome Journal” why you chose to set up your zoo in this way. As a group, present your plan to the class with proper explanation of why you set it up this way. IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page Step 1: What are the 7 Biomes?What are the 7 Biomes? Step 2: Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Research Step 3: Animal ResearchAnimal Research Step 4: Animal CareAnimal Care Step 5: Zoo LayoutZoo Layout Step 6: Zoo or the Wild?Zoo or the Wild?

Process continued… STEP 6: Zoo or the Wild? Look at various examples of persuasive essays provided in a writing manual. Write a class persuasion paper. Write your own persuasion paper about the following topic: IS IT BETTER FOR ANIMALS TO BE IN THE ZOO OR IN THE WILD? (See the Persuasive Paper Rubric in the “Evaluation” section for qualifications) IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page Step 1: What are the 7 Biomes?What are the 7 Biomes? Step 2: Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Research Step 3: Animal ResearchAnimal Research Step 4: Animal CareAnimal Care Step 5: Zoo LayoutZoo Layout Step 6: Zoo or the Wild?Zoo or the Wild?

Resources ANIMAL INFORMATION: Look in the following sites for information on different animals. You may What makes an animal an animal? Animal facts from the Henry Vilas Zoo. What are some unique animals? Where are they from? Animals Categorized by Biome Animals of the World Animals by Type (mammals, etc…) BIOME INFORMATION: Find MANY valuable facts about each biome at these sites. Find your biome, then click on various topics to find the answers you desire. What is an biome? Biomes More on Biomes Biome facts Cyber Zoo separated by Biome Basic Facts about Biomes IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Evaluation Persuasive Essay Rubric Zoo Design Rubric Internet/Computer Checklist Journal Checklist Student Evaluations of Group Student Evaluation of Self IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Conclusion Congratulations!! You have completed the project successfully and you and your fellow scientists have created a magnificent zoo plan and layout. Go share your learned information with others! When you visit a zoo in the future, remember all the valuable things we learned about what goes into putting a life like zoo together! IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page

Credits Shepard Software. Kid’s Corner: Animal Classification. From Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society. (2009). Visit the Zoo. From Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Meet Our Animals. From Schaffner, B., & Robinson, K. (2009). Blue Planet Biomes. From St. Francis Intermediate School. (1999). Amazing Animals of the World. From Animal Planet: A Discovery Company. (2009). Wild Animals A to Z. From Anderson, J., Anderson, J., Mynn, C., & Barrientos, M. Ecosystems. From Gardiner, L. (2008). Biomes and Ecosystems. From Myers, R. ( ). Biomes. Retrieved April 13, 2009, from Regents of the University of California. ( ). The World’s Biomes. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from Cyber Zoo. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from Enchanted Learning. ( ). Habitats/Biomes. From Discovery Education: United Streaming (2009). Real World Science: Ecosystems and Biomes. From St. Louis Virtual Tours. (2001). St. Louis Zoo Virtual Tour. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from Verlangieri, T. Taking Care of a Dog. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from How To Take Care of a Parakeet. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from WikiHow:

Teacher Page Created by Chelsey Puskaritz, Wilson Area School District This Webquest is designed for 3 rd -4 th grade students. This is a multi-step webquest and will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete (with fewer computers it may take longer) The students will learn the basics of ecosystems, specific animals of the ecosystem and animal adaptations in the ecosystem. They will also infer the positives and negatives about living in zoos versus in the wild. Enjoy the Project! IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page IntroductionIntroduction Standards Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher PageStandardsTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher Page