Food Web Research Project
You will research a biome. You will begin reading about the biome and the ecosystems
within the biome. You will then select an ecosystem within your biome and research the
food webs and food chains. You will gather information, create a food chain diagram,
create a food web diagram, write a three-paragraph essay, create an energy pyramid
mobile representing your ecosystem’s food web, and present your project to a small
group (representing diverse biomes).
Procedure:
1. Assigned or selected biome; background reading on biome
2. Ecosystem selection (with guidance)
3. Notes on ecosystem food web (15-20 cards; minimum of two food chains)
4. Organize Essay (outline; four square)
5. Food Chain Diagram (choose one chain)
6. Food Web Diagram (minimum of two food chains)
7. Energy Pyramid Mobile (minimum of two food chains; sun must be included)
8. Presentation
9. Essay
Total:
10 points
5 points
5 points
10 points
10 points
5 points
15 points
60 Points
Food Web Essay Organizer
Paragraph One: Background Information
Introduce the biome and ecosystem within the biome. You may include location,
climatic, and other geographic information in this paragraph. Your last sentence is your
leading sentence (thesis statement).
Paragraph Two: Food Web/Food Chains
Begin with a strong topic sentence. Explain the food web, the interdependence of
the animals and plants, and use the following vocabulary: producers, consumers, food
web, food chain, energy, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, decomposers, scavengers,
and interdependent (or interconnected). It will lead to the next paragraph. You must
show the interdependence of one species on another. Remember to explain the energy
flow. It is in this paragraph that your research will be shared.
Paragraph Three: This is your closing paragraph. Here is where you discuss what
happens if one member of the web is removed. You may also choose to include
information about the future of this ecosystem and what can be done to help support it.
Include information about the impact, positive/negative, of natural and human actions.
Food Web Research Project Rubrics
Research Notes
Biome, ecosystem, food web,
food chain
5 4 3 2 1
Notes are varied. An attempt to
be complete and thorough is
apparent. Focused vocabulary is
included and understood.
Student questions/wonderings
are clear.
5 4 3 2 1
Notes are clearly written and have
few/if any mechanical errors.
Number of notes meets the
minimum requirement. Citations
are included.
Organization of Essay
Outline; Four Square; Rough
Draft; Other
5 4 3 2 1
The notes are clearly organized into an introduction, body, and
conclusion. Evidence of a thesis statement and topic sentence is
shown. Thought is given to how the essay will close.
Comments/Total Points
Food Chain
Food Chain Diagram
5 4 3 2 1
The food chain illustration includes four members. The energy direction
is indicated and explained. Illustrations/graphics are included. The
diagram is neatly presented.
Comments/Total Points
Food Web
Food Web Diagram
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The food web illustration includes a minimum of two food chains. The
energy direction is clearly indicated. The web includes a combination of
drawings and graphics. The diagram is neat and colorful.
Comments/Total Points
Energy Pyramid Mobile
Energy Pyramid Mobile
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The mobile includes a minimum of two food chains and the sun is
included. The pyramid shows the distribution of energy. The mobile is
neat, colorful, and well presented. Each level is labeled and identified.
There are few/no errors in spelling.
Comments/Total Points
Presentation to Small Group
Presentation to Small Group
5 4 3 2 1
Student shared either the Energy Pyramid Mobile or the Food Web.
The information presented was thorough and well organized. The
student included the focus vocabulary (producer, consumer, herbivore,
carnivore, omnivore, energy flow, interdependence). The student spoke
clearly and was prepared.
Comments/Total Points
Food Web Essay
Content
5
All content
requirements were met
or exceeded.
Interesting facts.
3
Most of the content
requirements were
met. Good support.
1
Few facts were
shared.
Interdependence was
not clearly stated.
Organization
Mechanics
Content was logically
organized. Thesis
statement, topics
sentences, and
transitions were
effective. There were
three well developed
paragraphs.
There were few if any
errors in mechanics.
Content was
organized in a
satisfactory manner.
Lacking some fluency
(thesis, topic
sentences,
transitions). Needed
further development.
Some errors in
mechanics.
Comments/Total Points
Project Comments/Total Points
Little support provided.
Lacking development.
May not have three
paragraphs. Little
fluency.
Many errors in
mechanics.