Biome Project Guide Biome Builders
Global Expedition Project
Researcher Info
Name:
Date:
The Mission
Earth is a mosaic of incredible biomes—distinct biological communities that have formed in response to shared physical climates. Your mission is to become an expert on one specific biome and demonstrate your knowledge through two major deliverables: a visually stunning **Artistic Poster** and a detailed **Informative Research Paper**.
Part 1: Artistic Poster
Biological Visualization
Flora & Fauna: Detailed illustrations of at least 3 plants and 3 animals.The Web of Life: A complex food web showing energy flow.Geography: A map showing the global location of the biome.
Part 2: Informative Paper
Scientific Analysis
Biome Profile: Deep dive into climate, location, and soil metrics.Illustration Analysis: Explaining the species featured on your poster.Conservation: Analysis of threats and protection efforts.
Expedition Sites (Select One)
Desert Tundra Taiga Tropical Rainforest Temperate Rainforest Deciduous Forest Grassland Savannah
Project Requirements
Poster Specifications
Standard poster board (approx. 22"x28").
Illustrations must be colorful and biologically accurate.
Use clear, legible titles for each section.
The food web must be "featured" (large/central).
Species labeled with common & scientific names.
Paper Specifications
Length: 3-5 pages, double-spaced.
Include bibliography (3+ sources).
Describe all plants/animals from your poster.
Proper font (12pt) and standard margins.
Success Tips
The Connection
Your paper should "walk" the reader through your poster. Use phrases like "As shown in the food web section..." to link the components.
Scientific Detail
Don't just say a plant is green. Explain its specific adaptations like waxy cuticles or specialized root systems.
Savanna Survival Report Global Expedition Research
Biome Builders Exemplar
Model Document
Life on the Golden Sea
An Ecological Analysis of the African Savanna
Presented By
Sam R. Searcher
Section I: Biome Introduction
T
he African Savanna is a tropical grassland biome characterized by its rolling hills of golden grass and scattered, hardy trees. Located primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, this biome serves as a bridge between the dense tropical rainforests and the arid deserts. It is a land defined by extremes, dictated entirely by the shifting patterns of rain.
The climate is categorized by two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry. During the dry season, precipitation is almost non-existent, and temperatures can soar. Conversely, the wet season brings torrential downpours that transform the parched earth into a lush, green landscape. These seasonal shifts drive the migration of millions of animals and dictate the survival strategies of every living organism in the ecosystem.
Exemplar Report: Savanna Page 1 of 3
Section II: Biological Adaptations
Primary Flora
The Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis)
As featured on the project poster, the Acacia tree is the quintessential symbol of the savanna. Its most notable adaptation is its wide, flat canopy, which provides maximum shade for its own roots to reduce evaporation. Furthermore, its deep taproot system can reach underground water reserves during the eight-month dry season.
The Baobab Tree (Adansonia)
Known as the "Tree of Life," the Baobab stores thousands of liters of water within its thick, cork-like trunk. This adaptation allows it to survive the most intense droughts while producing nutrient-dense fruit for local wildlife.
Primary Fauna
The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Elephants are "ecosystem engineers." Their massive size allows them to knock over trees, keeping the savanna a grassland rather than a forest. Their large ears act as cooling radiators, a vital adaptation for the high temperatures of the Serengeti.
The African Lion (Panthera leo)
The lion's tan coat provides perfect camouflage in the tall, dry grasses. As the apex predator, they maintain the health of the herbivore population by hunting the weak and sick, preventing overgrazing of the delicate grasslands.
The Web of Life: Energy Flow
"In the food web displayed on the companion poster, energy begins with the producers like Bermuda grass and Acacia leaves. This energy is transferred to primary consumers such as the African Elephant. Secondary consumers obtain energy by consuming the herbivores. Finally, decomposers like termites return nutrients to the soil."
Exemplar Report: Savanna Page 2 of 3
Section III: Conservation & Threats
Project Success Rubric Project Success Rubric
Biome Builders: Poster & Paper Expedition
Total Score ____ / 100
Researcher:
Biome Site:
Part 1: Artistic Poster (50 Points)
Criteria Novice (5) Dev. (10) Prof. (15) Expert (20) Illustrations
6 total flora/fauna. Detail & accuracy.
| Incomplete; vague or unidentifiable. | All species present but lack color/detail. | Clear, colorful, and accurate. (15 max) | Exhibition level; profound biological detail. |
|
Food Web
Energy flow map between species.
| Simple chain or missing components. | Basic web; flow mostly correct. | Complex, multi-level; clear flow. (12 max) | Stunning visual trophic model. (15 max) |
|
Design
Hierarchy, neatness, and labels.
| Messy; hard to read facts/labels. | Clean; adequate headings/sections. | Polished; clear headings & polish. (12 max) | Professional design quality. (15 max) |
Part 2: Informative Paper (50 Points)
Criteria Novice (5) Dev. (10) Prof. (15) Expert (20) Biome Stats
Climate, geography, and threats.
| Missing stats; description is vague. | Basic data; lacks descriptive depth. | Detailed stats and location. (15 max) | Mastery of biome dynamics. (20 max) |
|
Analysis
Explains poster species & adaptations.
| Does not link to poster illustrations. | Briefly mentions species; basic traits. | Strong link; explains 6 adaptations. (12 max) | Deep analysis of all featured life. (15 max) |
|
Research
Grammar and 3+ sources cited.
| Frequent errors; missing bibliography. | Clear writing; some citation errors. | Flawless structure; formal citations. (12 max) | Professional research tone. (15 max) |
Teacher Expedition Notes Biome Discovery Organizer Biome Discovery Organizer
Expedition Phase: Data Gathering
Researcher:
Biome Site:
I. Biome Profile
Climate (Temp/Precipitation)
Geography & Soil Types
Global Distribution Map
Sketch Map Here
II. Life & Adaptations
Flora (3 Plants to Illustrate)
Plant 1 Name
Plant 2 Name
Plant 3 Name
Fauna (3 Animals to Illustrate)
Animal 1 Name
Animal 2 Name
Animal 3 Name
III. Featured Food Web Plan
Draft energy flow connections between your 6 species.
IV. Informative Paper Outline
Para 1: Overview
Para 2: Analysis
Para 3: Threats
Bibliography List
Conservation Key
Major threat to biome:
Proposed protection effort:
Project Launch Guide Project Launch Guide
Teacher Facilitation & Pacing
Project Duration
8-9 Class Periods
Instructional Goals
Artistic Modeling: Students use biological knowledge to create scientifically accurate illustrations of ecosystems.
Informative Synthesis: Students communicate complex ecological relationships through technical writing.
Visual Communication: Students learn to map food webs with visual clarity and accuracy.
Key Materials
Part 1: Artistic Poster
Part 2: Informative Paper
Research Organizer
Project Rubric
8-Day Pacing Plan
Days 1-2
Research & Discovery
Students select biomes and gather data on climate, soil, and key species using the Discovery Organizer.
Days 3-4
Informative Paper Drafting
Synthesis of data into a 3-part research paper. Focused on technical writing and biological descriptions.
Days 5-7
Artistic Poster Production
Translating written descriptions into visuals. Creation of 6 detailed species and the featured food web.
Day 8
Expedition Showcase
Gallery walk using the Showcase Worksheet. Peer review and final project submission for grading.
Facilitation Notes
Illustration Focus
Remind students that "Artistic" doesn't mean "Imaginary." Encourage using field guides to ensure species look biologically plausible.
The Connection
Stress the link between the paper and poster. Students should be able to point to a detail on their poster and find its explanation in their paper.
Expedition Showcase Worksheet Expedition Showcase
Poster & Paper Peer Review
Reviewer Name
Gallery Walk Instructions
Visit two expedition sites. Examine the **Artistic Poster** and scan the **Informative Paper**. Your goal is to see how visual illustrations are supported by scientific descriptions.
Expedition Site #1
Biome:
The Artistic Poster
What stands out about their food web or species illustrations?
The Informative Paper
How well does their paper describe the species shown on the poster?
Expedition Site #2
Biome:
The Artistic Poster
What stands out about their food web or species illustrations?
The Informative Paper
How well does their paper describe the species shown on the poster?
Expedition Log Reflection
After seeing all biomes, which one would you most want to visit? Why?
Why is it important to use both visual models and detailed text in science?
Expedition Partnership Checklist Expedition Partnership Checklist
Task Delegation & Progress Tracker
Our Biome Site
Partner A (Lead Artist)
Name:
Partner B (Lead Writer)
Name:
Expedition Task Assigned To Status 1. Discovery & Research Find climate stats (Temp/Precip) and soil data Not Done Select & research 3 flora species (adaptations)
Not Done |
| Select & research 3 fauna species (adaptations) | |
Not Done |
| 2. Part 1 - Informative Paper |
| Draft Intro & Geography (Paragraph 1) | |
Not Done |
| Write adaptation analysis (Paragraph 2) | |
Not Done |
| Write conservation focus (Paragraph 3) | |
Not Done |
| 3. Part 2 - Artistic Poster |
| Illustrate 6 species & feature food web | |
Not Done |
| Poster layout, coloring, and design polish | |
Not Done |
| Add scientific labels & map locations | |
Not Done |
Expedition Pact
We agree to work together as a team, communicate clearly about our progress, and complete our assigned tasks by the final showcase. We will support each other's research and creative efforts!
Signed: Partner A
Signed: Partner B
Biome Project Slides Biome Builders
Global Expedition Launch
A Creative Project-Based Exploration of Earth's Diverse Ecosystems
The Mission
Part 1: Artistic Poster
Create a visually stunning ecosystem model featuring hand-drawn flora, fauna, and a complex food web.
Part 2: Informative Paper
Synthesize your research into a professional paper detailing climate, adaptations, and conservation.
Select Your Expedition Site
🏜️
Desert
❄️
Tundra
🌲
Taiga
🦒
Savannah
🦜
Rainforest
🦌
Deciduous
🌾
Grassland
🌧️
Rainforest
Part 1: Artistic Poster
Flora & Fauna
3 plants and 3 animals. Illustrations must be scientifically accurate.
Featured Food Web
Highlight the energy flow between species. Use clear, artistic arrows.
Labels & Titles
Common and scientific names. Bold, readable section headers.
Visual Model Area
Part 2: Informative Paper
I. Biome Profile
The physical setting: Average temperatures, annual rainfall, soil quality, and global locations.
II. Analysis
The biological deep dive: Why do these 6 species live here? Explain their specific adaptations.
III. Outlook
The conservation link: Major threats (human and natural) and what is being done to help.
Survival of the Fittest
"Adaptations are the tools an organism uses to carve out its place in the biome."
Physical
Camouflage, waxy leaves, specialized roots, insulating fur, or sharp talons.
Behavioral
Migration patterns, nocturnal hunting, hibernation, or social structures.
The Expedition Roadmap
1-2
Discovery Phase
Gather data and select species.
3-4
Writing Phase
Draft the informative research paper.
5-7
Production Phase
Illustrate the poster and food web.
8
Showcase Phase
The Gallery Walk and Final Submission.
Ready to Build?
Expedition Exit Ticket Expedition Log
Daily Progress Reflection
Researcher:
Date:
1. Biological Discovery
Which flora or fauna species did you focus on today? Describe one specific adaptation that allows it to survive in your chosen biome.
Species Name:
2. Energy Connection
How does the species you researched today fit into your biome's food web? (Producer, consumer, or decomposer? What does it interact with?)
3. Conservation Spotlight
Based on your research today, what is one challenge or threat this biome faces? How might this impact the species you described above?
Expedition Status
How would you rate your research progress today?
LOST
ON TRACK
EXCEEDING
Biome Expedition Quiz Biome Expedition Quiz
Unit Assessment
Researcher:
Score:
Section 1: General Biome Knowledge
1. Which biome is characterized by permafrost and extremely low temperatures year-round?
Desert
Tundra
Savanna
Taiga
2. What is the primary factor that distinguishes a Tropical Rainforest from a Temperate Rainforest?
The amount of annual precipitation.
The average annual temperature.
The presence of trees.
The type of soil.
3. In a food web, which role is responsible for breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil?
Producer
Primary Consumer
Secondary Consumer
Decomposer
Section 2: Climate & Location
Match the biome to its primary characteristic by writing the correct letter in the blank.
___
4. Taiga (Boreal Forest)
___
5. Deciduous Forest
___
6. Desert
___
7. Savanna
A. Characterized by four distinct seasons and trees that lose their leaves.
B. Evaporation exceeds precipitation; extremely arid conditions.
C. Large coniferous (evergreen) forests and long, cold winters.
D. Tropical grassland with scattered trees and a distinct wet/dry season.
Section 3: Adaptations & Survival
8. Explain why many desert animals are nocturnal . How does this specific behavioral adaptation help them survive?
9. Why do plants in the Rainforest often have large, broad leaves, while plants in the Taiga have thin, needle-like leaves?
Section 4: Ecological Dynamics
Grass
Grasshopper
Frog
Snake
Sample Food Chain
10. Looking at the chain to the left, which organism is the secondary consumer ?
11. What would happen to the frog population if the grasshopper population decreased significantly? Explain the ripple effect.
Section 5: Global Citizenship
12. Define deforestation . Name one specific biome that is heavily impacted by this threat and describe one long-term ecological consequence.
13. Propose one conservation effort that humans could take to protect the Tundra from the effects of global climate change.
Biome Expedition Answer Key Biome Expedition Quiz
Teacher Answer Key
Correct Key
Section 1: General Biome Knowledge
Tundra
The average annual temperature.
Decomposer
Section 2: Climate & Location
C
4. Taiga (Boreal Forest)
A
5. Deciduous Forest
B
6. Desert
D
7. Savanna
Section 3: Adaptations & Survival
8. Nocturnal adaptation in desert animals:
Animals stay underground or in shade during the heat of the day and hunt/travel at night when temperatures are lower. This prevents dehydration and overheating.
9. Broad leaves vs. Needle leaves:
Broad leaves maximize sunlight absorption in the dense rainforest canopy. Needle-like leaves in the taiga reduce surface area to prevent moisture loss and keep snow from breaking branches.
Section 4: Ecological Dynamics
10. Secondary Consumer:
Frog
11. Ripple effect on frogs:
The frog population would likely decrease because their primary food source (grasshoppers) is gone. This might lead frogs to find a new food source or starve, and it would also impact snakes, who would have fewer frogs to eat.
Section 5: Global Citizenship
12. Deforestation & Consequences:
Deforestation is the mass removal of trees. The **Rainforest** is most impacted. Consequence: Loss of habitat, increase in carbon dioxide, and loss of biodiversity/extinction.
13. Tundra Conservation Proposal:
Reducing global fossil fuel emissions to slow global warming, which melts the permafrost and destroys habitat. Also, establishing protected wildlife preserves to prevent oil drilling.
