PROJECT 4.4.3 ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATIONS (BIOMES)
Introduction

The diversity of plants and animals in the United States is extensive. There are many variations in ecosystems as you travel across the United States. In this WebQuest, you will explore how living organisms and the natural environment work together in one ecosystem. Your teacher will assign you and your group one of the following ecosystems. Depending on the ecosystem, you and your group may choose to narrow the ecosystem into a more specific category.
  • Wetlands
  • Coniferous forest
  • Temperate deciduous forest
  • Desert
  • Grassland/ prairie
  • Temperate rainforest
  • Mountains
  • Aquatic - Freshwater
Task
You will work with your group to investigate the ecosystem assigned by your teacher. Your group will research the characteristics of the assigned ecosystem from Part One and develop a three-dimensional model of the ecosystem with an informational display explaining each component and how the plants and animals rely on each other. Keep a record of the references that you use during your research. 

**We only want one completed works cited page per group** 

Your group must use a minimum of three sources. At least one source must be an eBook.

Process
Within your group, review the criteria you need to complete. Develop group goals and assign individual tasks in order to complete the project in a timely fashion.

Part One – Research
Use the Internet and Agriscience Library to research the following information about your ecosystem: 
  1. Major biome in which the ecosystem fits
  2. Characteristics used to identify the ecosystem (Climate, Land Features, etc.)
  3. Location(s) of ecosystem in the United States
  4. Flora
  5. Fauna
  6. Natural resources
  7. Interactions of plants and animals (food web)
  8. Human influence and interactions
Resources
​
Use the following resources to assist you in your research. A minimum of 3 sources must be used. One source must be an eBook. You can of course always use more.
eBooks
(use the screenshots to help make sure you are following directions properly)
1. Go to Destiny
  • ​From home, you may need to login to Destiny first to access the eBook
  • Your Destiny login is just your school username and password (no @nburlington.com)
2. Type in: Biomes
3. Narrow your format of book types  (using left side tool bar) to only "electronic books"
4. eBook titles will have a little "e" in the corner. Click on a tile, and then click on the blue hyperlink that says "Click here to access" - this will open the full-text of the eBook
5. Once in the eBook, use the search feature or click on the Table of Contents to find a section that applies to your project.
6. This book is cited for you! See where it says Citation Tools? Click that and then export to EasyBib (make sure you are already logged into EasyBib and have the project opened where you want the citation to go).

​Websites
  • Remember, EasyBib often gets information wrong or leaves out information that needs to be added. When using the autocite feature in EasyBib to cite websites, it is YOUR job to make any changes needed to make a citation as correct as possible. Ask your group or a teacher for help if needed. 
  • You may use other websites besides the ones listed below. Check to ensure they are authoritative and credible. Unsure? Ask. Still unsure? Use a different source!
​Grassland/Prairie
  1. ​Prairie Biome
  2. ​The Grassland Biome
  3. ​US National Grasslands
  4. ​Grassland

​Print Books
  • Our media center has many print titles that can help with your project
  • Remember to use the book's ISBN to help you cite in EasyBib
  1. Go to Destiny
  2. Search for your topic (you may need to be more general - such as "biomes" or "ecosystems")
  3. Locate the book you want on the shelf using its call number and see if it's helpful