IB Biome Project: (Life Science and History)
Names _______________________________________________________ Date ________ Period ____
IB Science Criterion B & History IB Criterion D and B
A biome is a region on earth that has distinctive climates and is characterized by particular types of organisms. It is
your group’s responsibility to teach the class about the biome you choose (Tundra, Taiga, Coral reef, Estuary,
Rainforest, Open Ocean, Desert, Deciduous Forest, Grassland, Wetlands, Seashore, Freshwater)
using print material and web sites to find relevant information. This multistage project will be done in class. There is little
expectation for work to be done outside of class other than studying & gathering materials, notes, pictures & resources to
bring to school. If you have ANY questions, please ask before the due date!
There are three parts to the project. The first part is a powerpoint about your biome. This will be graded only by your
science teacher, Mrs. Waller. The powerpoint should be comprised of twelve slides (including a title and bibliography
slide) and should address items found in the rubric below. It will be presented in class. All slide shows will be a single
document that is delivered to the teacher by way of flash drive, CD, or e-mail. It must be formatted to be used on Windows
2007 or 2003. The next part is a paper. This will be grade by Mr. Craig. You will receive a rubric from Mr. Craig detailing
the requirements. Finally, the group will create a diorma. This is incollaboration with Mr. Craig. It will be assessed by both
teachers. Your diorama should show the unique features (both biotic and abiotic) of your biome but also include
information about the battle you were assigned by Mr. Craig. You will be graded according to the completeness, accuracy,
and quality of your project by both teachers. Points will be lost by any group who fails to meet the requirments in the rubric
or who fail to turn it in on time. Due Dates: the powerpoint (to Mrs. Waller) and paper (to Mr. Craig) is due May 18,
2010 and the diorama is May 20, 2010.
--------------------------------------------------Grade calculation for the powerpoint -------------------------------Requirements for the Power point 100%
Points
(12 slides with information shown below)
Available
Punctuality (will receive all points if turned in at the beginning of class May 18,2010 or none if late) 10
SLIDE 1: Title slide (name of biome and group members included )
10
Slide 2 - 3: What is your biome and where is it located on earth? Show a range map. List any
30
alternate names for your biome? Include here. List countries that have this biome.
SLIDE 4: List abiotic characteristics of the biome. What are the factors that determine or influence 30
the climate of your biome (including but not limited to temperature range, precipitation, soil quality,
etc.)?
60
SLIDE 5: Describe and show a picture of at least three plants that are characteristic of the climax
plant community (not pioneer species). What are the adaptations that these plants have that allow
them to live in this biome?
SLIDE 6: Describe and show a picture of at least three animals that are characteristic of your
biome. Are there any adaptations that the animals have that allow them to live well in this biome?
Are there endangered organisms in your biome? List them.
SLIDE 7-8: Brief summary of the battle (5ws: Who, What, Where, When, Why?)
30
Tell specifically how the biome affected the battle. How would it have been different if it had been
located in another biome?
SLIDE 9 - 11: List ways humans have negatively and positively impacted this biome (2 each
50
minimum) Also, does your biome hold any value for humans (economic or otherwise)? Describe.
What are some issues currently facing your biome?
10
Slide 12: Bibliography (include Internet and print sources) minimum of three, MLA
Presentation (eye contact, demeanor, knowledgeable, able to answer basic questions)
10
Grammar and Spelling
10
Points
Earned
--------------------------------------------------Grade calculation for the diorama -------------------------------Requirements for the Diorama 85%
Punctuality (will receive all points if turned in on time or none if late)
3-D, Careful Construction, Quality in Design and preparation
Factual / Realistic representation (shows appropriate abiotic and biotic factors) in the diorama
Presentation to the group is accurate and factual- student able to answer 2 questions
Colorful and Creative
Requirements for the Cooperative Group Work 15%
(this will be done by observation and survey)
Group work
Independent work
Process Journal
Points
Available
20
40
90
Points
Earned
20
Point
Available
10
10
10
Points
Earned
Resource include but not limited too:
http://www. citationmachine.net
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biome (see right side for links to specific biomes with shaded world map of biome locations)
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/biomes.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm
http://www.eoearth.org/article/Anthropogenic_biome_maps (human impact)
5th period- Waller
Assigned Station
Ian and Robert
Carrington and
Gordon
Taiga
William & Deandre
Coral reef
Jazmen & Franny
Estuary
Frank and Kayla
Rainforest
Finn and Ana
Open Ocean
Logan and Collin
Desert
Telisi and Cole
Deciduous Forest
Amelia & Marina
Grassland
Devon and Khalil
Wetlands
Adam and Max
Seashore
Claire & Meghan
Tundra, Taiga, Coral reef, Estuary, Rainforest, Open Ocean, Desert, Deciduous Forest, Grassland,
Wetlands, Seashore, Freshwater
Biome
Freshwater
Tundra
4th period-Waller
Assigned station
Process
Journal
Biome
_____________
Names ______
____________