Mission Biomes!

COURSE OVERVIEW:
Mission Biomes is a research based course that will enable learners to distinguish important characteristics of 10 of the world significant biomes. Learners will do this research as a part of an Adventure Group and participate in researching the biomes, documenting predefined characteristics, hypothesizing about these characteristics and drawing conclusions about the overall conditions of each Biome. The final product of this course will be an E-Poster depicting all of their findings in a fun and creative format. This course is a new and exciting approach to the Biomes segment of the 5 th grade Science class. It will be taught in what is referred to as a Web-Supported class. That means while learners will meet as a class, they will also perform many tasks independently or in groups using the internet and the Learning Management System; Canvas. The learners have taught how to navigate through Canvas in Computer Education class.

COURSE GOALS:
After completing this course learners will be able to describe significant characteristics of each of the 10 Biomes of the World. They will be able to describe both abiotic and biotic component of each biome. They will also be able to describe how organisms have adapted to the conditions of the biome. STANDARDS: Illinois State Standards: Science State Goals

11.A.2a Formulate questions on a specific science topic and choose the steps needed to answer the questions.

11.A.2b Collect data for investigations using scientific process skills including observing, estimating and measuring. 11.A.2c Construct charts and visualizations to display data. 11.A.2d Use data to produce reasonable explanations. 11.A.2e Report and display the results of individual and group investigations. 12.B.2b Identify physical features of plants and animals that help them live in different environments (e.g., specialized teeth for eating certain foods, thorns for protection, insulation for cold temperature)

iste.nets.s Student Standards

2a Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media 2b Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats 2d Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems 3a Plan strategies to guide inquiry 3b Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media 3c Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks 3d Process data and report results

GRADES:

Students grades will be updated weekly in the Sites grade book. The grading scale will be consistent with the school overall grading schema. A - 93% - 100% B - 85% - 92% C - 77% - 84% D -70% - 76% F - 69% and below

PREREQUISITE INFORMATION
Before beginning this class you must have completed the Computer Education components conducted during the biweekly computer classes. The components were as follows:
1.

2.

3.

Canvas Login and Navigation - 2 Sessions 1. Successful login to the Canvas course platform 2. Successful navigation within the Canvas platform Google Docs Tutorial - 2 Sessions 1. Successful login to the Google Docs platform 2. Successful navigation within the Google Docs platform Vuvox Tutorial - 2 Sessions 1. Successful login to the Google Docs platform 2. Successful navigation within the Vovux tool

If you have not completed these computer components please contact the Computer Education teacher at the email below to set up a time to complete these sessions.
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Computer Teacher: compteacher999@gmail.com

TEXT BOOK INFORMATION:

Scott Foresman Science Grade 5 Illinois Edition; ISBN: 978-0328-30706-7

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TIME LINE

The class is comprised of the following learning modules following the time line established below. Aquatic Biomes: Fresh Water

Read text pages 136-137. Research the biome using the web-based resources provided in the module. Document the Adventure Group Role findings in the Biome Log Discuss the Adventure Group Role findings in the online Biome Conclusions discussion forum Collaborate and complete the E-Poster component DUE XXXXXXX XX, 2013

Aquatic Biomes: Salt Water

Read text pages 138-139.

Research the biome using the web-based resources provided in the module. Document the Adventure Group Role findings in the Biome Log Discuss the Adventure Group Role findings in the online Biome Conclusions discussion forum Collaborate and complete the E-Poster component DUE XXXXXXX XX, 2013

Terrestrial Biomes: Desert and Tundra

Read text pages 134-135. Research the biome using the web-based resources provided in the module. Document the Adventure Group Role findings in the Biome Log Discuss the Adventure Group Role findings in the online Biome Conclusions discussion forum Collaborate and complete the E-Poster component DUE XXXXXXX XX, 2013

Terrestrial Biomes: Rainforest Forest and Deciduous Forest

Read text pages 130-131. Research the biome using the web-based resources provided in the module. Document the Adventure Group Role findings in the Biome Log Discuss the Adventure Group Role findings in the online Biome Conclusions discussion forum Collaborate and complete the E-Poster component DUE XXXXXXX XX, 2013

Terrestrial Biomes: Grassland and Taiga

Read text pages 132-133. Research the biome using the web-based resources provided in the module. Document the Adventure Group Role findings in the Biome Log Discuss the Adventure Group Role findings in the online Biome Conclusions discussion forum Collaborate and complete the E-Poster component DUE XXXXXXX XX, 2013

CONTACT:
If you have questions or concerns about your assignments, grades, or any other aspect of this class, see your teacher in person, or contact him/her at the email address below:
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Science Teacher: sciteacher99@gmail.com

If you have technical questions or concerns contact the designer at the email address below:
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Ms. Johsnon-Wojnicki: diannejohnsonwojnicki@u.boisestate.edu