The Assignment- Module 8.5- Evolution of Australian Biota.
Research, Process and Present Secondary Sources Information.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Working in a group of three (maximum) to:
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select an Australian species (e.g. the platypus, the koala, the Wollemi pine)
research valid and reliable secondary sources and document appropriately these sources in
an annotated bibliography
prepare and present a visual summary (e.g. a flowchart, mind map, power point
presentation) of the changes in understanding of the species over 200 years. This may
include changes in the understanding of:
- Distribution, abundance and threats to survival
- Anatomy, physiology (i.e. structure and function), reproduction and classification
- Fossil record, genome and evolution
Working as an individual:
Document the processes of your research including:
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how you ensured secondary sources were valid and reliable
an evaluation of your group and individual processes
THE MARKING SCHEME
This is a team task. There will be two components of the final mark awarded:
1. The visually-presented, concise product and annotated bibliography- worth 80%- handed in
as a team with all team members achieving the same result.
2. The Process Learning Log worth 20%- handed in as an individual and marked individually.
Team Task- the product
Criteria
 Current understanding of the classification, genome, reproduction,
adaptations, distribution, abundance, fossil records including evidence of
evolution and evidence for changes in distribution and abundance accurately
and concisely conveyed about an Australian species.
 Early ideas on classification, reproduction, adaptations, distribution,
abundance outlined.
 The sequence of events, debates, processes and technologies involved in
revision of earlier understandings leading to current understandings accurately
and briefly conveyed.
 Clear and accurate visual communication using appropriate biological terms.
 All internet and paper-based resources appropriately selected, evaluated and
Band
6
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acknowledged (e.g. an annotated bibliography)
Current understanding of most of the following: classification, genome,
reproduction, adaptations, distribution, abundance, fossil records including
evidence of evolution and evidence for changes in distribution and abundance
conveyed about an Australian species.
Early ideas on classification, reproduction, adaptations, distribution,
abundance identified.
Several aspects in sequence of events, debates, processes and technologies
involved in revision of earlier understandings leading to current understandings
accurately and briefly conveyed.
Clear visual communication using some appropriate biological terms.
Some internet and paper-based resources appropriately selected and
acknowledged (e.g. an annotated bibliography)
Current understanding of some of the following the classification, genome,
reproduction, adaptations, distribution, abundance, fossil records including
evidence of evolution and evidence for changes in distribution and abundance
conveyed about an Australian species.
Early ideas on classification and reproduction or adaptations or distribution
and abundance identified.
One aspect in sequence of events, debates, processes and technologies
involved in revision of earlier understandings leading to current understandings
accurately and briefly conveyed.
Clear communication using some biological terms.
Some internet or paper-based resources appropriately selected and
acknowledged
Current understanding of the classification, genome and reproduction, or
adaptations, distribution and abundance or fossil records including evidence
of evolution, evidence for changes in distribution and abundance conveyed
about an Australian species.
Early ideas on classification and reproduction or adaptations or distribution
and abundance identified.
One aspect in sequence of events, debates, processes and technologies
involved in revision of earlier understandings leading to current understandings
accurately and briefly conveyed.
Clear communication.
Some internet or paper-based resources selected
Current understanding of the classification, genome and reproduction, OR
adaptations, distribution and abundance OR fossil records including evidence
of evolution, OR evidence for changes in distribution and abundance conveyed
about an Australian species.
OR
Early ideas on classification and reproduction or adaptations or distribution
and abundance identified.
One aspect in sequence of events, debates, processes and technologies
involved in revision of earlier understandings leading to current understandings
accurately and briefly conveyed.
AND
Some internet or paper-based resources selected
Current understanding of either the classification, genome and reproduction,
or adaptations, distribution and abundance or fossil records including evidence
5
4
3
2
1
of evolution, evidence for changes in distribution and abundance conveyed
about an Australian species.
OR
 Early ideas on classification and reproduction or adaptations or distribution
and abundance identified.
OR
 One aspect in sequence of events, debates, processes and technologies
involved in revision of earlier understandings leading to current understandings
accurately and briefly conveyed.
AND
 An internet or paper-based resource selected
Individual Task- the Learning Process Log
Criteria
 Collaborative decision–making processes identified and evaluated
 Sequence of research and processing of information reflects high
levels of skills in the information process and evaluation of resources
 Evidence of on-going reflection on the collaborative processes and
product
 Evidence of good time management
 Collaborative decision–making processes identified
 Sequence of research and processing of information reflects some
knowledge of the information process
 Evidence of reflection on the collaborative processes or product
 Evidence of time management
 Collaborative decision–making processes identified
 Sequence of research and processing of information reflects some
aspects of the information process
 Evidence of reflection on the collaborative processes or product
 Collaborative decision–making processes identified
 Sequence of research and processing of information reflects some
aspects of the information process
 Decision–making processes identified
 Some evidence of a sequence of research and processing of
information
 Some evidence of a sequence of research and processing of
information
Band
6
5
4
3
2
1