Congratulations! You have won a vacation to a biome/ecosystem. What is that, you may ask? It is a geographic area that has a distinct climate. The climate, which is determined by weather and precipitation, is a home for specific types of plants and animals. The biomes/ecosystems you can choose from include: tropical rainforest, grassland/prairie, woodland,tundra, bodies of water/wetland, and the desert. The only "payment" that is required for your trip is to create a multimedia presentation or brochure with the help of your group members.  Bon Voyage!!
 
 

Before you leave on your trip, you will work together with your team to research the Biome/Ecosystem you chose. What type of research would you like to do? Your group will consist of a minimum of four experts. Each of you will choose one of these  job descriptions: botanist, zoologist, meteorologist, environmentalist, sociologist,and/or cartographer. Your team will determine the purpose and audience for your presentation or brochure. Some examples include:  travel promotion, biome protection, travelogue, or biome economic development.  Decide your assignments with your team. The team will pull all the information together, develop the project and then share.
 

• Botanist: A scientist who studies plants
• Meteorologist: A scientist who studies weather
• Zoologist: A scientist who studies animals
• Cartographer: A map-maker
• Environmentalist:  A scientist who studies environmental impact
• Sociologist:  A scientist who studies societies and their culture

1. Divide into groups of four.
2. Click on a suitcase of your choice.
3. Decide which type of scientist each of you will be. Your team will choose four of these
scientists: botanist, zoologist, meteorologist, environmentalist,sociologist and/or cartographer.
4. Discuss the project with your team.
5. Determine the purpose and audience for your presentation or brochure.
6. Read your task and brainstorm how you will work together.
7. Go to online and offline resources and explore.
8. Take notes on your findings. Write down each source you use.
9. Meet with your team, analyze your findings, and develop your presentation or brochure.
10. Share your findings with the class.

Desert

Grasslands/Prairies

Rainforest

Tundra

Woodlands/ Deciduous Forest

Wetlands/ Bodies of Water

Online Resources

• Encyclopedias
• Encarta and Grolier's CD-Roms
• Non-fiction Books
• Science Textbooks
• Handouts and worksheets