Name: ____________________________
TOC#_____
Introduction
In our study of islands, we have focused on the nature of island formation and evolution. We have learned
that islands are isolated environments, with unique physical and biological evolution creating unique
environmental characteristics. Additionally, an island's natural history tends to be very unique. Through
examining this unique evolutionary history, it is possible to fully explain the present conditions on the island.
However, it is important to consider the impact which humans have had on the island's ecology.
We will continue our study of islands by conducting a ‘case study’ of some interesting islands and island
groups. In this study, we will focus on the biological and geological evolution of the island and consider the
current status of the landscape and the organisms that live there.
Procedures
1. Project Description
 Research teams will consist of two students (unless discussed with me). An island will be assigned.
 Each team will create a PowerPoint based on the specified information and will present to the class.
 Each group will also print the PowerPoint file and turn it in as a report.
 Class time will be reserved for students to work on their PowerPoint research.
 Be prepared to work outside of class to ensure your project is thorough and completed on time.
 Extra Credit will be given for groups that go above and beyond and make their PowerPoint interactive
for the class or creative in some way – this must be approved by your teacher.
2. PowerPoint Requirements
 Printed PowerPoint files will be printed 2 slides per page, 5 pages total.
 Acceptable graphics and pictures should be added to support your research.
 Your Presentation should be no less than 5 and no more than 10 minutes long.
 Each slide should be titled. For example, slide 2 should be titled Island Geography.
 All writing should be in a legible: color choice, no font smaller than 22pt.
3. PowerPoint Format/Information Required
 Use the following table as a guide for the organization of your presentation.
 Each slide set must at least address the questions asked.
 Each slide set must include at least the graphics listed.
Information
 Describe the location of your island group, including the relevant body of water.
 How many individual islands are in your island group?
Slides 1 and 2
 Identify the largest island in your island group. What is the size of this island?
 What is the distance from the largest island to the nearest continental land mass?
Island Geography Graphics
 Must include at least one picture of the island
 Must include a graphic showing the location on a map
Slides 3 and 4
Information
 Describe how your island group was formed.
Island Geology
 What is the approximate age of your island group?
 List the predominate types of rock found on your island.
 Describe the prevailing climate in your island group.
Graphics
 Any or all of the following: diagram of plate boundaries, chart showing climate, or
a picture of rock types.
Name: ____________________________
TOC#_____
Slides 5 and 6
Information
 What is the major habitat types found on the largest island in your group?
Island Biology
 An endemic species is one that has evolved in that particular location.
o Approximately how many endemic plant species are found in your island
group? Give at least three examples.
o Approximately how many endemic animal species are found in your island
group? Give at least three examples.
o How many of these endemic plants/animals are endangered or extinct? Give
examples.
Graphics
 At least one image of an endemic plant.
 At least one image of an endemic animal.
 At least one image of an endangered or extinct plant/animal
Slides 7 and 8
Information
 What is the human population of the island? For what year is this data accurate?
Human Impacts
 Describe the role of humans in your island group (ex. farming, industry, etc.)?
 Describe the human impact on the island environment and predict the
consequences of these impacts on the future.
 This section is NOT about the tourist attractions, politics, or the economy.
Graphics
 Must include at least one of the following: chart/graph showing human
population, image of some human impact of the island, chart/graph
predicting the future impact of humans.
Slide 9
 A minimum of four references are required.
 You must use at least 1 book, 1 newspaper/magazine/journal article, and 2 valid
References Cited
websites
 List each reference according to your bibliography handout.
4. Grading
 An Individual grade will be earned for each group member during the presentation
Possible Points
7
Equal speaking time and knowledge of topics presented. (can present information
with ease/without reading every word)
Eye contact
5
Volume
5
 The same grade will be given to each member for the content of the PowerPoint/print-out
Possible Points
Content: all
Island Geography
15
questions from #3
Island Geology
15
above are
Island Biology
15
addressed
Human Impact
15
Visual Appeal
Readability – font size/choice, color choices, organization
7
– graphics, charts, photos (one for each required photo)
3
References – correct numbers and format
7
PowerPoint print out—Completion
6
This project is worth 100 total points
Name: ____________________________
TOC#_____
5. Due Dates/Work time
 This project was assigned on _____________________
 This Powerpoint is due by email by 8am, and the print-out by class-time on ___________________
 Class time alone will not be enough time to complete this project to the best of your ability. Choose a
partner you will be able to meet up with.
 Late Projects will lose 5% for every day not turned in, unless both partners have an excused absence
 There will be other assignments during this time
6. Island Options: At the end of class you will submit your top 4 choices and your teacher will do his/her
best to give you one of them.
Bahamas
Bermuda
Canary islands
Cape verde
Corsica
Cuba
Cyprus
Easter Island
Farrallon Islands
Fiji
Greek Islands
(Crete)
Hispaniola (Haiti
and Dominican
Republic)
Iceland
Indonesia (Bali,
Java, Sumatra)
Ireland
Jamaica
Japan
Madagascar
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
New Zealand
Papua New
Guinea
Philippines
Puerto Rico
Samoa
Sicily
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Tahiti
Taiwan
Tasmania
Tonga
Trinidad and
Tobago