Process

To start, you and your team need to see your options. Just what are you looking for?

Just some of the many biomes include:

Tundra	Taiga	Temperate Forest	Rainforest	Grassland
Desert	Coral reef	Pond	Savanna	Cave

When you and your team are exploring different biomes, use this helpful activity sheet to record your findings.

Activity Worksheet Directions:

1. List the biomes in the category down the left side of the grid. This can include tundra, desert, and rainforest.
2. Across the top of the chart, list features that describe biomes. This can include types of plants, animals, climate, and geography. Large plants? Herbivores? Hot and humid? Cold and windy? Mountainous? Write your ideas!
3. Consider each word in the category relative to the features listed across the top. Use (+) to indicate yes and (-) to indicate no.
4. When you complete the sheet, use it to help you and your documentary team decide on your destination!

Your teacher will provide you all with a copy!

Now that you chose your biome, let’s search for more information!

Each team member will research a characteristic of the chosen biome, and discuss in the group what they have learned. Write their names next to the characteristic:

Climate: _________________

Geography: ______________

Plant Life: ________________

Animal Life: _______________

The climate and geography also determines a biome. What climate does this biome have? Where are they located on the planet? Can humans live in this environment or do they have to adapt to it (For example, I cannot survive in the arctic tundra without a lot of sweaters and a coat!)?

To support your choice, find at least 5 different types of plant life, 5 animals (3 herbivores, and 2 carnivores). What are their traits? How does their home help them survive?

Use the Frayer Model to record your findings.

Your teacher will provide you all with a copy!

If you find more information that you would like to record (and I’m most certain that you will), then keep writing them down! Attach them to the Frayer Model.

Now that your team is an expert on the biome, it is time to write the letter to Northern Illinois University to earn the Paul Kelter Award.

Write to the director of awards, Mr. Chong, and tell him about the biome you want to live in. What are you curious about? What makes you excited about going there? What are the plants like? The animals? What about the climate and geography? Is your team going to run into any difficulties?