SBI4U
Independent Study Unit: Population Dynamics
Creating a Children’s Story
This major research project is part of the Communication/Application mark in this course. It is
to be completed individually. Two goals of this project are to:
-
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the themes in the population dynamics unit by
creating a children’s story book
- Develop and prepare habits of researching independently (as you will be doing in postsecondary studies)
Your Task:
-
You are to select one species of plant or animal and research the following below:
o Explain the concepts of ecological interactions for your chosen species including:
competition (inter/intra-specific), predation, defense mechanisms, symbiotic
relationships and/or parasitic relationships)
o Investigate the ecology of a specific species found within the group by including:
detailed description of its habitat, population size estimates, distribution pattern
(clumped, random or uniform), threats to the species, several density-dependent
and independent factors that affect chosen species, specific effects in the
hierarchy system if species survival becomes threatened or extinct.
o Describe characteristics of a given population such as growth rate, lifecycle (birth
rate, lifespan, fecundity, mortality, etc.), discuss minimum viable sizes and
survivorship curves
o Include at least 2 interesting facts about the chosen species
Format:
o Integrate the above information of your chosen species and present it in a creative
children’s story book or comic book. Posters and PowerPoint presentations will
not be accepted. You can use digital programs such as Comic Life, Bit Strips,
Paint or your art skills to create relevant visuals to accompany the story!
o Highlight key terms within the text of your story and include a glossary of key
terms at the end of your story book (similar to your textbook). The glossary
definitions should be your own words!
o An APA reference list should be included with the assignment. At least 5
references should be consulted and at least one should be a journal article.
Wikipedia is not a credible source.
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Deadlines: You are to work on this assignment during the half of the semester in which YOU
ARE NOT working on your blog project.
Possible options: Semester 1, Term 1
▪ Mid-Progress Report due – Monday September 28, 2015
▪ Rough story (text only) due – Friday October 16, 2015
▪ Final Project due – Friday October 30, 2015
Semester 1, Term 2
▪
▪
▪
Mid-Progress Report due – Monday Nov 23, 2015
Rough story (text only) due – Friday December 11, 2015
Final Project due – Friday January 8, 2016
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Mid-Progress Report (10 marks) - to be handed in on a separate document
Chosen animal or plant species: ____________________________________________________
Provide your detailed research notes conducted to date. This may be in the form of a flow chart, concept
map or any form of organization that works best for you. You can create a concept map like the one
below using SMART Ideas Software on the school computer. Also include information that you still
have left to research. (5
marks)
What references have you consulted (at least 5 scientific resources should be consulted)? (1 mark)
What are some of your ideas in creating the children’s story book? Any thoughts to the plot of your
story? Characters? (3 marks)
What are the remaining tasks in your project? What deadlines have you set for yourself? (1 mark)
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Criteria
Expectations
Mark
Remedial
Knowledge of
Ecological
Interactions
● Demonstrates thorough knowledge of
Knowledge of
Ecology of Chosen
Species
● Detailed description of habitat and its
Knowledge of
Population
Characteristics
L1
L2
L3
L4
Limited
Some
Considerable
Thorough
12
3
45
6 7
8
1234
5
6
7
8 9 10
12
3
45
67
8
1234
5
6
7
8 9 10
12
3
4
56
7
0
1
2
2.5
3
0
1
2
3
4
different types of interactions for chosen
species and includes accurate explanations
and examples as mentioned in the outline
properties that allow for species survival
● Discusses and provides specific examples
of density dependent and independent
factors and their effects on the population
● Identifies threats to species and specific
effects of possible extinction
● Demonstrates population size estimate of
species and distribution pattern
● Applies growth rate, lifecycle and
survivorship concepts(e.g. Type I, II, or III)
in describing species life
Engagement &
Application
● The story has a well-developed plot with
Communication
●
Bibliography
●
●
Glossary
●
●
●
●
unique and personable characters
Creative and variety of relevant illustration
given to demonstrate the concepts
Information was organized neatly and
expressed with a high degree of
effectiveness
Communicates for audience of children
At least five references listed (not including
Wikipedia) and at least one journal article
APA format was used
Key population dynamics terms were
highlighted within the story (approx. 1015)
A detailed and accurate glossary included
at the back of the story with the key terms.
A good definition should include an
explanation and example where
appropriate
Total
Comments:
_______/50
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Sign-Up Sheet for Population Dynamics ISU
Sign up is first come first serve!
Student Name
Term 1
Term 2
Chosen Species (Animal or Plant)
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