Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
Ecosystems Unit Project
Through the ecosystems unit project, you and/or your partner will complete each component as outlined
below.
1) Research a specific ecosystem (terrestrial or aquatic) to include at least 10 interesting facts, an
example of a food chain with the labeling of producer, consumer, or decomposer, and the biotic
and abiotic factors in the ecosystem.
2) Informational piece of writing that includes every part as stated above (#1)
3) A model or display (with or without technology) that includes a food chain, biotic and abiotic
factors in the ecosystem LABELED.
4) Presentation of the ecosystem and turned in on time.
Requirements
Examples of Abiotic Factors
in your ecosystem*
Examples of Biotic Factors in
your ecosystem*
Examples of a food chain in
your ecosystem*
Informational piece of writing
including at least 10 facts and
the above requirements (*)
Labeling of the parts required
above
Presentation of your
ecosystem
Turned in on time
Ecosystems Unit Project Rubric
Possible Points
Points Received
20
20
20
20
5
10
5
Total Score: _________________
Comments:
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
Found below are educational, approved websites to help guide you in your research. If you have any
questions or discover more websites to add, please see Miss Mattison
http://www.pbs.org/oceanrealm/
http://www.fi.edu/oceans/oceans.html
http://www.fi.edu/tfi/units/life/habitat/habitat.html
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/food/food_menu.html
http://www.neok12.com/pictures/Ecosystems.htm
http://www.neok12.com/Ecosystems.htm
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/science/hamshall/food_chains/index.htm
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/woods/01.cfm
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/exploring_ecosystems/index.html
http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive/greenswamp/greenswamp.html
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/ocean-and-sea
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorer/ecosystems/index.htm
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorer/oceanlife/index.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/rainforest/
http://www.scdiscus.org/discus-kids (access from school homepage on right)
Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
Ecosystems Unit Project
Research Template
Research Topic:
________________________________________________________
A few reminders when you are researching:
1) Make sure your sources are reliable. If you have any questions, please ASK before you
use it.
2) Always Always Always Cite YOUR SOURCES! Use your Works Cited Cheat Sheet
Citing Your Sources! (Where did you get your information from?)
10 Interesting Facts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Date
Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
9.
10.
Abiotic Factors:
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Biotic Factors:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Food Chain in Ecosystem:
***You must have at least 2 consumers. If you would like to add more you may.
_________________________producer
_________________________consumer
_________________________consumer
_________________________consumer
_________________________decomposer
Directions for Saving Pictures on the computer in the computer lab:
1) Right Click on Image and click on “Save Image As”. A dialog box will pop up, make sure you
are saving it in the correct folder. On the left hand side. Go to Computer, click on NPES
Common under Network Drive.
2) Double click on the folder that says Common. Double click on the 5th grade Science Research
Project Folder. Double click on the folder with your class on it and then find your name or
your group’s name (double click on that).
3) Once you see your group’s name on top, right click in the folder and then click “Paste” you
should see your image..
*Anything else you need to save needs to go in this folder as well.***
If you have any questions, please ASK!!!
Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
Ecosystems Research Project
Informational Writing
1) The ecosystem that you chose to do research on for your project is the
ecosystem that you will write about. I am not going to tell you how to write it
exactly however, I am including an outline so that you won’t forget what to
include.
2) You may type or handwrite your informational piece of writing.
a. Type: size 12 or 14 font and absolutely no fonts that is difficult to
read. You may email it to me and I will print it out or you may turn in a
hard copy. No longer than 1 page please.
b. Handwritten: If you choose to handwrite your informational piece,
please make sure your handwriting is easy to read and that you do not
skip lines.
3) Use the outline below to help you begin writing your informational piece
A) 1st paragraph: introduce your topic
i. (DO NOT START OUT WITH “My Ecosystem was…”
or “My Topic was…”)
***Include about 3 to 4 interesting facts
nd
rd
B) 2 and 3 paragraph:
i. Abiotic & Biotic Factors and an example of the Food
Chain in your ecosystem.
C) Closing Sentences:
i. Tell what you learned about your ecosystem. (at least
2-3 sentences/things you learned)
4) After you have finished writing about your ecosystem, you are going to
complete a works cited page that will involve using your works cited cheat
sheet (half brown sheet that I gave you).
Science: Ecosystems Unit Research Project
Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
Presentations
1. All presentations will be presented to the class on Thursday, October 17th and
Friday, October 18th during class. Sign-ups will take place during class on Monday,
October 14, 2013.
2. Presentations will be limited to a time length of 3-4 minutes/group or individual
so that there is enough time for set-up at the beginning and questions/comments at
the end.
3. When you present your project, see the table below.
Powtoon
1) Introduce group members
2) Tell the topic of your project
**Your PowToon should explain your
topic so that you don’t have to talk
about it.
All other tools used (not video)
1) Introduce group members
2) Begin discussing your project
4. All presentations involving technology should include the following:
a. At least 4 interesting facts about your ecosystem.
b. At least 3 biotic and 3 abiotic factors found in your ecosystem.
c. Your food chain, stopping to talk about which organism is a producer,
consumer, or decomposer.
d. 1 thing you learned about your ecosystem.
e. Why it is important to preserve your particular ecosystem.
5. Be creative!!! Grab the class’ attention!!
6. Before each group/individual presents the project, you will turn in the informational
piece with the works cited page and the rubric.
***Powtoon-uses animation to create a video
1) Click “Log In With Google and login using the username and password below
Username: missmattisonnpsa@gmail.com
Password:
2) Click the blue start button and then choose “Open a blank project”. Be sure to
give your PowToon a name. (Name of your ecosystem and group member’s names)
3) GET STARTED!!!!
***Prezi-
Name: __________________________________________________Due Date: ____________________
1) Click login
Username: missmattisonnpsa@gmail.com
Password:
2) Click the blue “New Prezi” button to begin creating.
***Empressr1) Click login
Username: missmattison
Password:
2) Click on the orange “create new” button to begin creating.
***PowerPoint
You don’t need a username and login for PowerPoint; however you will need to save it which
I will discuss.
Notes:
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