Biology: The Dynamics of Life, California Edition

Unit 7: Plants

WebQuest Projects

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LANDSCAPING FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

In this WebQuest, students will conduct Internet research to learn more about the types of plants found in the major biomes of the world. They also will learn about xeriscaping and how this technique helps conserve water in arid environments. Their task will include a plan for landscaping a new neighborhood in their geographic region.

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Task

As students conduct their research, they will answer a set of questions that have been provided. Each Web site provided has some of the answers, but several of the questions may require information from two or more of the Web sites.

As students compile information to answer the questions, they also will gather the information needed to draw up a plan for landscaping a new neighborhood in their region. Their plan will include a table of plants to be used in their landscaping project. Suggested column titles have been provided; students can modify or add additional columns as needed.

Objectives:

  • Investigate the biomes of the world and the plants found in each
  • Describe xeriscaping
  • Create a landscape plan for a community in their biome

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Time

Two class periods to research, answer questions, and create plan

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Process

As students progress through the list of Web sites, you may help them focus on what they need to know to answer the questions. Several of the Web sites have links to other Web sites with relevant information. If time allows, you may want to allow students to further explore subjects related to plants. Always supervise students carefully as they search the Internet.

Students then will continue with their research to gather information that they will use to draw a plan for landscaping a new neighborhood in the climate where they live. Students should include at least ten different plants in their plan. The plants should be a variety of trees, grasses, shrubs, and flowers. Make sure students provide all the relevant information about their plants such as soil, water, sunlight, and temperature requirements for survival. Students can be general in their descriptions. For example, they may indicate that the plant requires moist or dry soil.

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Resources

Students will use the Internet links provided to find out more about the types of plants that grow in each major biome.

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Evaluation
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for Rubric

Have students review the rubric to determine how they will be scored on this WebQuest

You may assign 10 points to each of the five questions for a total of 50 possible points. Possible answers to the questions are given below. You may rate the answer to each question by the following scale: Excellent: 9-10 points; Very Good: 7-8 points; Good: 5-6 points; Satisfactory: 3-4 points; Poor: 1-2 points; and Unsatisfactory: 0 points.

Possible Answers to Questions about Plants

  1. Students should include the six major biomes including Tundra, Taiga, Desert, Grassland, Tropical Rain Forest, and Deciduous Forest. Students may choose to include other biomes such as savannah and temperate rain forest as well. A brief description of each biome should be included to earn the most possible points.
  2. Answers will vary.
  3. Student answers should include the adaptations that allow plants to survive in arid and wet environments. Several examples of plants found in each environment should be included.
  4. Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that utilizes native plants to help conserve water.
  5. Student answers need to indicate that there is a difference in the plant’s lifecycle.

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Conclusion

At the end of this WebQuest, students will have gathered enough information to answer the questions about what types of plants live in each biome and create a preliminary landscaping plan for a community in the climate where they live. Completion of this WebQuest will help students gain research skills and apply what they learn to a real life situation.

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