Hopefully, you have been finding lots of information on the Internet and other places about your selected biome. Remember, you can choose any biome from our science text. Check with your teacher about the topic you have selected.

You will need to answer these questions:

1. What is a biome?

2. How is the biome you chose defined?

Next:

3. Describe the climate (rainfall and temperature range) of your biome

4. Give a complete description of the flora (plants) of your biome. You must name at least three

5. Give a complete description of the fauna (animals) of your biome. How are they adapted for life in this place? Name at least 5 animals and give a complete description of each. Pictures are also helpful.

6. Where in the world is this biome found? What are major regional expressions? For example the prairies of the American Southwest are different than the pampas of Argentina and Uruguay, yet both are considered grasslands

You must include a world map showing locations of your biome. Use black pen and colored pencils. Do not simply print a map from the Internet. You must make the map yourself.

7. Is this type of biome in any kind of danger? Are the animals or plants there endangered? Explain

8. What are some interesting facts you found about your biome? You must include at least five.

Every report must include a list of references. Use the proper form for a bibliography presented to you by Mrs. Cook in the library. Use noodlebib!

More Directions...

Taking Notes-

Answer the questions you have been given using books in or library and Internet resources. Take notes on notebook paper. You must keep track of where you are getting your information.

Writing a Rough Draft

When you are finished gathering information and taking notes, you will write your rough draft. This must be handed in to your teacher.

Skip lines as you write and only use one side of your paper.

You may organize your report using the questions you were given. Use headings.

The final draft

You may use word processing only if YOU do the work, not mom or dad or another helpful person. I would prefer cursive writing. Skip lines!

Bibliography

All fifth graders in the school district must learn to cite references using the proper form for a bibliography. Pay attention to the form explained by your teachers. It is important to complete the bibliography completely.

Cover

Do not buy a plastic or any other kind of cover. You will use white drawing paper, folded in half to make your own cover. You must write the name of your biome in block letters and include a colorful and appropriate illustration. Put your name on the bottom right hand corner. Use a black marking pen to write, not a crayon or pencil. Work neatly.

You will hand in all parts of the report (except for the final draft) in a single double pocket portfolio. Obviously, your final draft goes inside your cover. Your final copy of the bibliography goes at the end of the report.

Due Date March 31

Biome in a Box

In addition to completing a written report about your biome, you will also construct a model of your biome which will illustrate factors unique to that biome.

Build a three-dimensional model of your biome in a box (at least as large as a shoebox-it can be larger!) using every day materials. You may not use any animals or plants you purchased from a store or borrowed from a Fisher Price or Legos set! You must construct your model using construction paper, clay or natural materials. Ignoring this direction will result in a lowered grade.

The inside walls of the box should be decorated (painted, collaged with photos, etc.) Included inside should be representative examples of flora and fauna. It should also show the terrain (mountainous, flat, shoreline, etc.)

You must include models of at least three plants and three animals.

The outside of the box must be painted or covered neatly with paper. (It should not say "Payless Shoes," for example) Make sure you tape your name onto the outside of the box. On one side of the box you should also tape the name of your biome with a brief description of the characteristics of this biome.

Grading: 100 possible points

Animal Life is represented accurately and colorfully(20)

Plant life is represented accurately and colorfully (20)

Model is colorful, neat, well-organized and interesting (20)

The student has created an interesting background on the inside of the box (20)

The outside of the box is covered and labeled appropriately

No words are misspelled! (20)

Have fun with the report and project!