Science+Class+Work

= Biomes Unit - Class Work =



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 * We are currently learning about the Earth's biomes. This is a three week learning unit that begins on December 6th and will end on December 23rd. Over the course of these weeks, the students will spend class time studying the nine major biomes of the Earth and engaging in projects and learning activities that will help them learn about biomes. The majority of the learning materials will be web-based, as technology is an important learning tool for students in the 21st century. To view the web-based learning modalities used as well as details about homework and projects, click on the links at the bottom of the page.**======

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 * Biomes are places on Earth defined by specific climate, animal life and vegetation. There are nine major biomes on Earth, each important for its contribution to the overall biodiversity of our planet. The classwork, projects and homework for this unit are designed to meet the following learning objectives:[[image:objective.jpg width="211" height="172" align="right"]]**======


 * //Students will be able to name and identify on a world map the different biomes of the earth//
 * //Students will be able to describe the climate and types of animals/plants of each biome//
 * //Students will understand the important biotic and abiotic factors of each biome and their interrelationships//
 * //Students will appreciate how the biomes interact with one another and how each contributes to Earth's biodiversity//
 * //Students will understand the adaptations required of the plants and animals of each biome and be able to name specific examples//
 * //Students will analyze the impact of human actions on certain biomes and formulate ideas on how to preserve Earth's biomes.//

__**Here Is Our Class Work Schedule For This Unit:**__

 * ** Week Number ** || ** Class Work ** ||
 * **Week 1** || **Research biomes using web sources and books. Complete biome worksheets/maps, learn biome vocabulary. View biome videos. Complete simulation and other activities listed in the links.** (HOMEWORK #1 DUE AT END OF WEEK) ||
 * **Week 2** || **First half of week: Prepare for/play "Guess the Biome" game. Second half of week: Begin working on final group project.** (HOMEWORK #2 DUE AT END OF WEEK) ||
 * **Week 3** || **Work on Final Group Project - Due Wed Dec 22nd. Unit Exam will be Thursday Dec 23rd.** ||

=__ Class Work Details: __= ==== **1. Biome Research** - Students will spend a fair amount of time reading about biomes using web-based resources. They may also read about biomes using print materials. To demonstrate learning, students will complete worksheets [|(Sample Biome Worksheet)] and color in biome maps [|(Sample Biome Map)]Integral to this, students will also need to learn important vocabulary that pertains to biomes, such as "biodiversity," "climate," "ecology," "adaptation," "abiotic factors," and "biotic factors." ====

**3. Biome Simulation** - Students will take part in an online learning simulation that will aid them in visualizing the different biomes.
==== **4. "Guess the Biome" Game** - On Monday of the second week, students will write specific features of individual biomes on index cards. On Tuesday, the class will divide into 2 teams and, as I read each index card, the teams will take turns guessing which biome the feature on the index card is describing. There will be a small prize for the winning team. ====

**5. Final Biome Project** - The second half of week 2 and all of week 3 will be devoted to working on the final group project. The details of the project can be found in the "Projects" link.
=**The Biomes We Will Be Studying Are:**=