APES
Ecosystems Project
Page 1
Terrestrial Ecosystems/Biomes Project
For this project you will research an ecosystem/biome and create a power point or web page presentation
(Glogster, Prezi, Google presentation, etc). You may use clip art, graphics from the Internet or photos that
you scan but remember to site your sources in your bibliography. We will need between 7-9 groups.
Your project will include:
Ecosystem Name: A title page.
Location: A world map with your ecosystem/biome clearly highlighted.
Environment: A description of climatic conditions in this ecosystem:
seasonal temperature ranges
rainfall patterns
topography
elevations
latitude
**You will also need to include a climatograph for your ecosystem
*You will need to do this for each of the regions that fall into your broad category, but
You’ll probably need just one.
Flora: A description of the plant life found here. Characteristics of the plants, adaptations for survival,
pollination and seed dispersal strategies, any interesting symbiotic or other relationships with insects
or animals. And a list of at least 8 species of plants indigenous to your ecosystem.
Fauna: A description of the animal life found in this region. Describe the animals' characteristics and
adaptations for survival in this habitat. Also include a list of 8 specific animals.
Food Webs: Identify the main predators and illustrate food webs with at least 10 species. The food web
should include all trophic levels; try to include decomposers/recyclers.
Threats: Identify and describe threats or problems in this ecosystem created by humans, and attempted or
possible solutions.
Importance: Describe the implications to our planet if this ecosystem is lost. An example would be
climatic changes from loss of tropical rainforests.
Quiz – Your group will need to write a 5 question multiple choice style quiz based on the information
you present to the class. Yes, you should have the answers to your questions.
Short Response (think Mini FRQ) – Your group will need to write 2 open-ended style questions that
could be used as potential short response questions. Try to think of concepts or issues that are
interrelated that students can elaborate upon to show their understanding.
Bibliography: your sources on information, and graphics.
Credits: a page that lists your group members names and the role each had in the project.
Assessment:
Your grade will consist of 2 parts:
An overall grade based on the criteria in the rubric and the presentation of the ecosystem/biome.
A participation score according to your groups’ assessment of your participation. This will be an average
of the scores (including your eval of yourself) out of 10 points
APES
Ecosystems Project
Page 2
Project Rubric
Projects will be graded according to these criteria unless a more specific rubric has been attached
to your instructions.
Format and Presentation (20):
Format
(see assignment)
5 points
Creativity/Neatness
10 points
Presentation
5 points
Format is followed
according to the directions
given.
5 points
Much of the format was
followed, but some components are missing.
2-4 points
Students did not follow the
directions for format.
0 - 2 points
Exceptional, students strive Project is creative and neat.
Minimal creativity,
for originality
5 - 9 points
apparently little effort made
10 points
on presentation.
0 - 5 points
All students participating.
Members have clear
understanding of
information
10 points
All students participating. Not all students participate
Some members seem strong Sounds week in information
than others in comfort level
0 - 5 points
5 - 9 points
Content (40):
Accuracy
15 points
All content is accurate, and
demonstrates mastery of the
subject matter.
13-15 points
Most of the content
accurate, with some
misunderstandings and
inaccuracies.
5-12 points
Content is largely incorrect;
shows major
misunderstandings of the
material.
0 - 5 points
Clarity
10 points
Material is written and
displayed in VERY clear
and understandable
language.
13-15 points
Topics are mostly
understandable, but
occasionally unclear or
confusing.
5 - 12 points
Unclear; difficult to follow
and understand.
0 - 5 points
Thoroughness/
Completeness
15 points
ALL topics are addressed in
Most components are
Topic is inadequately
a thorough but concise
included: some information discussed; incomplete work.
manner.
may be left out.
0 - 5 points
15 points
5 - 10 points
Questions (20):
Multiple Choice Questions
10 points
FRQ Questions
10 points
Questions demonstrate
understanding of details
and interconnectedness of
ecosystem/biome
10 points
Questions demonstrate
understanding of details
and interconnectedness of
ecosystem/biomes
10 points
TOTAL = 80 points
Questions show moderate
understanding but
somewhat confusion
and/or simplistic
5-9 points
Questions show moderate
understanding but
somewhat confusion
and/or simplistic
5-9 points
Questions show minimal
effort and understanding
only drawing upon the
most simple concepts
0-5 points
Questions show minimal
effort and understanding
only drawing upon the
most simple concepts
0-5 points