St Mark’s Catholic College
STUDENT NAME
Science Yr 9
TEACHER NAME
TOPIC: ECOSYSTEMS
Ecosystems report
TASK NAME
TASK NO
2
LENGTH
TASK WEIGHT
DATE ISSUED
Wednesday 7th May
TERM
DATE DUE (A)
Wednesday 21st May
TERM
TIME
2
2
1 Session
1 Session
WEEK
WEEK
2
4
OUTCOMES BEING ASSESSED
undertakes first-hand investigations to collect valid and reliable data and information, individually
and collaboratively SC5-6WS
analyses interactions between components and processes within biological systems SC5-14LW
presents science ideas and evidence for a particular purpose and to a specific audience, using
appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations SC5-9WS
Collects, records and interprets data and information SCLS-7WS
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
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The excursion work booklet must be handed up with the report
All reports must use appropriate scientific language and format
CONTEXT FOR THE TASK
This topic has been exploring ecosystems and the energy, distribution and interactions within them. This task will
extend this knowledge through the investigation of an ecosystem. This information will be presented in the form
of a report and will include fieldwork done during the excursion.
MARKING CRITERIA:
Total Mark: 40
Comment:
THE TASK
You are to complete the excursion booklet and write a scientific report on mangrove ecosystems.
You must analyse the ecosystem by covering the following aspects:
1. Identify all biotic and abiotic factors of the mangrove ecosystem.
2. Discuss the impact of temperature and salinity on the mangrove ecosystem.
3. Describe how one organism in the ecosystem is adapted to a high salinity environment.
4. Create a food web showing interactions within the ecosystem. It should include at least 10 organisms.
5. Describe an example of symbiosis or allelopathy that occurs in this ecosystem.
6. Evaluate the impact humans can have on the mangrove ecosystem. Use at least two examples.
Include a detailed bibliography
The report and bibliography must be submitted in HARD COPY.
The bibliography must include at least 2 websites, 1 book and 1 academic journal.
A reminder: You must hand up the completed excursion booklet.
TASK RUBRIC
• You will be assessed on your ability to:
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select and use appropriate forms of communication to present information to an audience.
access information from a wide variety of secondary sources. (Must gain information from internet, books
and journal articles).
relate the structure and function of living things to models, theories and laws.
evaluate the impact of science on society and the environment.
IN ORDER TO UNDERTAKE THIS TASK YOU WILL NEED TO:
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Ensure that you have completed all fieldwork.
Research all relevant information
Write a report using appropriate language and format
Seek teacher clarification where needed prior to the task date.
Report Comments
A
B
C
The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content derived from the
Ecosystem topic, in particular mangrove ecosystems. The student can readily apply this knowledge
to the interactions within the ecosystem and the positive and/or negative impacts of humans.
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content derived from the
Ecosystem topic, in particular mangrove ecosystems. The student shows a high level of competence
in applying this knowledge to the interactions within the ecosystem and the positive and/or negative
impacts of humans.
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content derived from
the Ecosystem topic, in particular mangrove ecosystems. The student has achieved an adequate
level of competence in applying this knowledge to the interactions within the ecosystem and the
positive and/or negative impacts of humans.
D
E
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content derived from the Ecosystem
topic, in particular mangrove ecosystems. The student has achieved a limited level of competence in
applying this knowledge to the interactions within the ecosystem and the positive and/or negative
impacts of humans.
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding of some of the content derived from
the Ecosystem topic, in particular mangrove ecosystems. The student has achieved a very limited
level of competence in applying this knowledge to discuss the positive and/or negative impacts of
humans.
Year 9 Ecosystems Report Marking Guide
Student Name: ______________________________________________________
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Demonstrates extensive knowledge of biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem
Demonstrates a good knowledge biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem
Demonstrates sound knowledge biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem.
Demonstrates a basic knowledge of biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem
Extensively describes and discusses the impact of salinity and temperature on mangrove ecosystems
Describes and discusses the impact of salinity and temperature on mangrove ecosystems
Describes the impact of salinity or temperature on mangrove ecosystems
Describes salinity or temperature
Extensively describes how one organism is adapted to a high salinity environment.
Describes how one organism is adapted to a high salinity environment.
Limited description of adaptation
Food web shows all correct energy transfers with at least 10 organisms
Food web shows incorrect energy transfers with at least 10 organisms
Food web shows all correct energy transfers with less than 10 organisms
Food web shows incorrect energy transfers with less than 10 organisms
Extensively describes a relevant example of symbiosis or allelopathy in a mangrove ecosystem
Describes and discusses a relevant example of symbiosis or allelopathy in a mangrove ecosystem
Describes an example of symbiosis or allelopathy in a mangrove ecosystem
Describes symbiosis of allelopathy
Using examples, extensively evaluates the impact of humans on the ecosystem
Using one example, evaluates the impact of introduced humans on the ecosystem
Using an example, describes the impact of introduced humans on the ecosystem
Using an example, identifies the impact of introduced humans on the ecosystem
No example of a human impacts on the ecosystem
Correct bibliography using multiple sources of different types.
Correct bibliography using less than 4 sources.
Incorrect bibliography using less than 3 sources.
Correctly uses the text type of a scientific report with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
Some attempt made to use the text type of scientific report with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation OR
Correctly uses the text type of a scientific report with some grammar, spelling and punctuation errors
A limited attempt is made to use the text type of scientific report, uses an alternative text, or grammar, spelling
and punctuation are incorrect
Report Mark /30
Total Mark (including excursion worksheet)
/40
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
1