Name: ________________________
Biome Project – Instructions
Introduction
A biome is a large region of the biosphere with a distinct climate and with specific species
adapted to this climate. Ecologists divide the globe into numerous biomes such as grasslands,
forests, and deserts using these criteria. In order to acquaint yourself with the world’s biomes
you will create an online poster that highlights the major features of a selected biome.
In this mini-project you will create a “Glog” using an on-line poster creation tool. By searching
the web for pictures, videos, diagrams, websites, and other useful media you will learn about
your assigned biome and integrate multiple pieces of information in one location. You will also
use creative skills to organize this information in a manner that is accessible to the viewers of
your on-line poster. A set of minimum standards is established below.
Procedure
Using the nickname and password that you obtain from your instructor, access the online poster
tool at http://edu.glogster.com . From your “dashboard” click on the link to create a Glog and
begin. Your instructor will provide instruction on how to use the features of the site.
What Should Be On My Glog?
The following information MUST be included somewhere in your Glog in order for you to earn
full credit for your online poster. While the location and format for this information is your
creative choice, it should evident to the viewer without having to “dig.” In other words, it should
not be deep inside of a website that you link to and must navigate.
Your Glog should have a…
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Description: A brief description of the major characteristics of the biome. How would one
recognize this biome? What does it look like? What weather and climate characteristics does it
have? Give some examples of this biome.
Distribution: A map (or a link to one) that shows where your biome can be found on the globe.
For aquatic life zones, a map or picture of some major examples is adequate.
Vegetation Profile: For the terrestrial biome fact sheets, a picture or representation of the types
of vegetation found in the biome, its relative height, and its heterogeneity. For instance, the
tropical moist broadleaf forest will have multiple layers of vegetation that is very dense while a
savanna will have tall grasses with sporadic trees.
Life zones: For aquatic biomes, give both a visual and descriptive idea of the zones of life that
exist for your biome (i.e. sub-tidal vs. tidal, or littoral vs. limnetic)
Climate graph: For terrestrial biome fact sheets, include a climate graph to show temperature
and rainfall throughout the year for your biome. Consult Chapter 5 for more information.
Characteristic plant and animal species: List and describe the dominant plant and animal species
that live in the biome. Focus on animal species that might be unique to the biome or without
which the biome might change in complexity, structure, or identity.
You must also submit three questions about your biome/aquatic life zone that can be easily
answered by exploring your Glog. These should be submitted to the instructor prior to the Glog
viewing class period.
Biomes and Aquatic Life Zones
You should select from among the following biomes and aquatic life zones. Two students may
not select the same biome/aquatic life zone.
Terrestrial Biomes
1. Tropical & subtropical moist broadleaf forest
2. Tropical & subtropical dry broadleaf forest
3. Tropical & subtropical evergreen coniferous forest
4. Temperate deciduous (broadleaf) & mixed forest
5. Temperate coniferous (rain) forest
6. Boreal forest/taiga
7. Tropical & subtropical grassland, savanna & shrubland
8. Temperate grassland, prairie & shrubland
9. Montane grassland & shrubland
10. Tundra
11. Desert & xeric shrubland
12. Mangrove
Freshwater Biomes
13. Ponds & lakes
14. Streams & rivers
15. Wetlands
16. Xeric basin
Marine Biomes
17. Coastal sandy shores
18. Coastal rocky shores
19. Open ocean
20. Estuaries
21. Coastal tropical coral reef
Useful websites
The following internet pages might be helpful in getting you started. This is not an inclusive list
of the information available on the WWW for biomes.
National Geographic Wildworld – www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld
World Biomes, University of California Museum of Paleontology
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/index.php
Biomes of the World. Explore Diversity and the Wild Classroom
http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes/FRESHWATER.html
What’s It Like Where You Live? Missouri Botanical Garden http://www.mbgnet.net/
World Biomes http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm
Introduction to Biomes http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/intro.html
Due date and scoring:
Your completed Glog should be submitted to your instructor no later than class on October 19,
2009. On this date we will explore each other’s Glogs and complete a “GlogQuest” using student
questions to learn about various biomes and aquatic life zones in the biosphere.
Rubric
Grade
A
B
C
F
Criteria
Student submits a very organized and creative Glog that exceeds the minimum required elements in content and
design. Student submits three questions that can be answered easily using his Glog and which are relevant to the
understanding of the biome/aquatic life zone. Glog and questions are submitted on time with no errors in CUPS.
Student submits an organized and creative Glog that meets the minimum required elements in content. Student
submits three questions that can be answered using his Glog and which are mostly relevant to the understanding of the
biome/aquatic life zone. Glog and questions are submitted on time with few errors in CUPS.
Student submits an organized and creative Glog that meets most of the required elements in content. Student submits
three questions that can be answered using his Glog and which are somewhat relevant to the understanding of the
biome/aquatic life zone. Glog and questions are submitted on time with some errors in CUPS.
Student does not complete the assignment on time, does not meet most of the required elements in content, or
produces an incoherent or shoddy Glog. Student may submit irrelevant questions. Glog has many errors in CUPS.