Biodiversity Inquiry
Big Idea: Because all living things are connected, maintaining diversity is critical to the health of the planet.
Learning Goal: To understand biodiversity and its benefits to habitats and to humans.
Part 1
You will be investigating the biodiversity in a habitat, of your choice, found anywhere in the world. Research
and report on five different plants and ten different animals found there. Present your findings to the class in a
PowerPoint and oral presentation. You will have several periods in class with the laptops to work on your
inquiry.
Success Criteria
_________ I have included 5 different plants
_________ I have included 10 different animals, some vertebrates and some invertebrates
_________ All of my animals are classified
_________ I have detailed descriptions of the plants and animals’ physical features
_________ I have detailed description of the physical environment where the plants and animals live
_________ I have discussed the interactions between the plants and animals
Due Date: Friday, October 3
Part 2
You will continue investigating the plants and animals in your habitat and apply your knowledge of the
importance of biodiversity to your habitat. You will research and report on how the biodiversity in your habitat
is beneficial to the plants and animals that live there and how the biodiversity also benefits human societies.
You will also research and report on the threats to the biodiversity of your habitat by humans. You will add
your research and results to your slide show. This will also give you an opportunity to revise and refine your
final slide show presentation for assessment.
Success Criteria
_________ I have explained how the biodiversity in my habitat benefits the plants and animals
_________ I have explained how the biodiversity in my habitat benefits human societies
_________ I have explained the threats by humans to the biodiversity in my habitat
_________ I have revised and edited my presentation
Due Date: Friday, October 17