Biomes - Concept Map
Your task is to create an image (concept) map on a particular biome. The concept map should include terms and concepts related to the biome. Each group will have a different biome and must present the information to the class. Image can be created using concept mapping software or hand drawn. Images must be included, either digital or cut from magazines (or printed).
Biomes
Tundra
Coniferous Forest
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Tropical Rain Forest
Grasslands (temperate, savanna)
Desert
Freshwater Ecosystems
Saltwater Ecosystems
Instructions
1. Place your biome (choose 1 from the above list) as a center concept on your map.
2. Make four branches from the center point for each of the following categories: animals, plants, climate, and interesting facts.
3. Research your biome to include terms and ideas for each of those main categories and link them on your map. Include photos or other images where appropriate.
Additional Resources
Concept Mapping Programs
Gliffy | Lucidchart | Popplet
Other Resources on Biomes
Biome Project - showcase a single biome and the animals and plants that live there
Biome Viewer - view an interactive map of the globe and explore different regions
Analyzing Data - Exploring Features of Biomes - maps showing different temperatures and precipitation
Create a Climate Graph - use data to draw your own climatogram
| Grading Rubric | ||||
| Poor (1pt) | Satisfactory (2pts) | Good (3pts) | Excellent (4 pts) | |
| Organization | Serious errors in organization, difficult to follow | Some lapses in organization that effect coherence and unity | Organization shows relations of terms, few lapses in organization but overall it is easy to read and understand | Well organized and logical in all areas, map is organized in such a way that concepts and links are easy to follow and understand |
| Ideas | Ideas are minimal, inappropriate or random | Ideas are somewhat random, minimal, or repetitious | shows well developed ideas (terms and concepts), enough to establish purpose of concept map | ideas are pertinent, extensive, establish purpose and show all elements of the topic |
| Connections | Concept map is mostly linear, with very few multiple connections to relate terms | concept map is mostly linear, but has some connections that link multiple ideas | concept map is presented as a web, terms are linked to multiple other terms | terms and concepts are linked in web form, showing multiple relationships between concepts and ideas |
| Knowledge | concept map shows very little overall knowledge of ecology and related terms | concept map shows some knowledge of ecology and related terms, gaps are evident | concept map shows a solid knowledge of ecology, and related terms, some minor gaps in knowledge, missing or misconnected terms | concept map shows extensive knowledge of Ecology - links show an excellent and comprehensive understanding of ecosystems and the interrelatedness of organisms and environment |
| Items | less than 10 concepts shown | 10-14 items shown | 15-19 items shown | 20 or more items on concept map |
Total _______ out of 20 |
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