Ecosystem Expedition Research Journal Ecosystem Expedition
Field Research Journal
Documenting ecological relationships, biodiversity, and conservation action.
Explorer: ___________________
Date: ________
Target Ecosystem: _____________
Phase 1: Destination, Climate & Adventures
Global Location & General Biome Type:
Key Abiotic Factors (Temperature, Precipitation, Sunlight):
Traveler's Packing Guide (Abiotic-based):
List 2 items essential for survival in this climate:
Fun Adventures & Vacation Activities:
List 2 low-impact excursions or natural sights:
Phase 2: Energy Flow & Food Web Roles
Reference: Notes Packet #1
Search for organisms within your chosen ecosystem and classify them according to their trophic roles. Be specific with species names (e.g., "Saguaro Cactus" instead of just "plant").
Autotrophs
Species A:
Species B:
Heterotrophs
Herbivore:
Carnivore:
Recyclers
Decomposer:
Scavenger:
Local Food Chain Model
Draw energy arrows showing the flow of energy. Label the Sun, Producer, Primary Consumer, and Secondary Consumer.
Sun → Producer → Primary Consumer → Secondary Consumer
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Ecosystem Expedition Journal
Phase 3: Species Spotlight
Phase 3: Target Species Spotlight & Niche Study
Reference: Notes Packet #2
Target Species Name:
Ecological Status:
Keystone, endangered, or indicator?
Ecological Significance (Why is this species targeted? What role does it play in balancing biodiversity?):
Ecological Niche (Detail its exact habitat, active diet, and daily survival behaviors):
Symbiotic Relationship Studio
Research an organism in this ecosystem that your target species interacts with. Check the symbiotic type:
Mutualism Both species benefit (+/+)
Commensalism One benefits, other unaffected (+/0)
Parasitism One benefits, host harmed (+/-)
Describe the partnership: How does each organism affect the other?
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Ecosystem Expedition Journal
Phase 4 & 5 Research
Phase 4: Target Species Population Status over Time
Historical Population Data:
Find population estimates from 3 different years (e.g., 2000, 2015, today). If numbers are missing, record trend classifications like "stable" or "vulnerable" .
Year / Range
Population / Status
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
Trend Analysis & Limiting Factors:
Describe the population direction. Identify at least one limiting factor (a resource or pressure like food supply, nesting territory, water, or poaching that limits population growth):
Phase 5: Biodiversity Threats & Ecological Resilience
What is Ecological Resilience?
Resilience is an ecosystem's ability to "bounce back" or survive disturbances and threats (like a storm, wildfire, or human activity) without collapsing. Ecosystems with high biodiversity are usually much more resilient because they have many overlapping food chains!
Describe a major human/environmental threat to your ecosystem's biodiversity:
Evaluate Resilience (How well can it bounce back from this threat, and why? Consider overlapping web relationships):
Actionable Protection Strategies (Specific & Local):
What are 3 things local communities or tourists can do to protect it?
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Ecosystem Expedition Slide Planner Ecosystem Expedition
Presentation Slide Planner
Draft your Google Slides presentation layout, text bullets, and visual diagrams.
Designer: ________________
Ecosystem: ______________
Slide 1
Introduction: The Travel Agent Pitch
Requirements: Trip title, catchy slogan, destination pitch
Thumbnail
Cover & Slogan Sketch
Bullet Points & Presentation Hook:
Slide 2
The Traveler's Checklist (Climate & Packing)
Requirements: Climate stats, weather guide, packing list
Thumbnail
Suitcase Layout Sketch
Bullet Points (Climate details & essential clothes):
Slide 3
Adventure Itinerary (Fun Sights & Activities)
Requirements: List 2 vacation sights or ecotourism adventures
Thumbnail
Adventure Spot Sketch
Bullet Points (Activity descriptions & ecological respect rules):
Slide 4
Ecosystem Energy Network (Food Chain)
Requirements: Label autotrophs/heterotrophs/decomposers
Thumbnail
Food Chain Diagram Sketch
Bullet Points (Trophic role descriptions & solar energy flow):
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Presentation Slide Planner
Slides 5 - 7
Slide 5
Species Spotlight & Niche Studio
Requirements: Why targeted (keystone/endangered/indicator), niche, symbiosis
Thumbnail
Target Animal / Plant Sketch
Bullet Points (Ecological role, partnership, & why this species was targeted):
Slide 6
Population Trends & Limiting Factors
Requirements: Present population status and analysis of trends
Thumbnail
Draft Graph / Data Table Visual
Bullet Points (Limiting factors, environmental pressures, trends):
Slide 7
Protecting Paradise (Conservation Action)
Requirements: Biodiversity threat, 3 local preservation steps
Thumbnail
Conservation Seal / Slogan Logo
Bullet Points (Preservation steps tourists/communities can take):
Pre-Flight Presentation Checklist (Self & Peer Evaluation):
Visual Design:
Max 3 colors used
Large text (>24pt)
Scientific Accuracy:
Food Chain flows correctly
Ecosystem Expedition Grading Rubric Ecosystem Expedition
Project Criteria & Grading Rubric
A guide for creating and evaluating the 7-slide travel presentation.
Total Points / 21
Project Objective (7-Slide Challenge):
Adopt the role of an adventure travel agent! Research an ecosystem to design an alluring 7-slide Google Slides presentation that pitches a trip, maps out an adventure itinerary, analyzes food webs, profiles population status, and details actionable conservation strategies.
Project Component
Exemplary (3 pts)
Proficient (2 pts)
Developing (1 pt)
Beginning (0 pts)
1. Slogan & Checklist Slides 1 & 2: Pitch & Clothes List
Highly creative pitch, detailed weather, & 2 abiotic-linked packing items.
Clear travel pitch, includes general weather, & 2 packing list items.
Weak pitch, missing climate stats, or clothes list is incomplete.
Minimal pitch; packing items unrelated to climate.
2. Adventure Itinerary Slide 3: Excursions & fun activities
Details 2 amazing activities & lists safety rules for protecting wildlife.
Lists 2 local adventures/sights to explore in the ecosystem.
Only lists 1 activity, or activities do not match the biome climate.
Adventures are generic (e.g. "go to hotel") or missing.
3. Food Chain Model Slide 4: Solar flow, autotrophs, etc.
Flawless food chain diagram; labels Autotrophs, Heterotrophs, & Decomposers.
Presents accurate energy arrows; maps producer to secondary consumer.
Food chain present, but arrows point in wrong direction or roles mislabeled.
Basic list of local animals with no energy flow model.
4. Species Spotlight Slide 5: Niche description & symbiosis
Perfect description of species' niche; explains symbiosis & its effects on both species.
Highlights niche and identifies a symbiotic relationship (mutual/commensal/parasitic).
Includes species profile, but explains symbiosis or niche incorrectly.
Lists organism with no niche details or symbiosis.
5. Population Trends Slide 6: Historical counts & trends
Clear population counts; robust analysis of limiting factors & causes of trends.
Presents population counts/trend and identifies at least one limiting factor.
Lists population trend but lacks historical data table or factor details.
Mentions animal count with no trend data.
6. Threat & Preservation Slide 7: Conservation Action Plan
Vividly describes threat; outlines 3 highly feasible, local preservation steps.
Ecosystem Expedition Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Ecosystem Expedition Teacher Guide
Instructional pacing, facilitation notes, and academic standards.
Grade Level: 6 - 9 (Life Science)
Format: Research & Slide Pitch
NGSS Standards: MS-LS2-1 to MS-LS2-5
6-Day Pacing Blueprint (45-Minute Classes)
Day 1: Destination Launch
Introduce the Travel Agent Roleplay. Students choose an ecosystem and complete Journal Phase 1 (abiotic factors, biome climate, packing checklist).
Day 2: Energy & Networks
Students research biotic species and complete Journal Phase 2 (Autotrophs, Heterotrophs, Decomposers, and Food Chain model).
Day 3: Species & Niche
Students focus on one target organism. Complete Journal Phase 3 & 4 (ecological niche, symbiosis type, population tracker).
Day 4: Conservation Action
Complete Journal Phase 5 . Focus heavily on identifying threats to biodiversity and listing 3 local actionable protection actions.
Day 5: Slide Deck Building
Students use their Slide Planner to storyboard and build a 7-slide Google Slides presentation. Focus on slide design, font size (>24pt), and clarity.
Day 6: Presentation Pitch
Host an Eco-Travel Fair ! Students present their pitches in groups of 3 or to the class. Peers use the Slide Planner checklist to self-evaluate.
Critical Classroom Alerts & Misconceptions
Energy Arrow Directions:
Students often draw food chain arrows from predator to prey (e.g., Fox → Rabbit). Remind them that arrows show the flow of energy: Rabbit → Fox .
Ecosystem vs Biome:
"Desert" is a broad biome, not a specific ecosystem. Encourage students to select a real location, like the Mojave Desert or Joshua Tree National Park , for accurate local data.
Vague Conservation Plans:
Guide students away from generic slogans like "Save Earth" or "Don't Litter." Encourage highly specific local actions, like "plant wildlife corridors" or "enact seasonal poaching patrols."
Trusted Student Databases:
Point students to these high-reliability sites for population data:
IUCN Red List: Best for species endangered status.National Geographic Kids: Biome and habitats.WWF Wildfinder: Local ecosystem profiles.
