Semester 1 Ecosystem Project
This is an outline of the project that you will be assigned for the second quarter. This project will take the place of your Semester 1 Exam, and as such will represent 20% of your semester grade.
Topic
Select a topic and get it approved by your teacher. The topic must be an ecosystem that has experienced significant HIPPO factors leading to environmental problems. Each student will have a different topic. Therefore you should have a second, "back-up" choice ready in the case that someone else has already selected your first choice. The due date for selecting your topic will be announced in class.
The project will consist of three parts, a research paper and an oral report supported by a power point presentation.
Research Paper, 70%
Your paper should detail the characteristics of the ecosystem and the HIPPO problems it has experienced
- Biotic and Abiotic factors. Describe the typical animal and plant species found in this ecosystem. Relate them to one another with food web and trophic level diagrams. Provide a detailed description of the climate including average monthly temperatures, rainfall, etc. Maps indicating the location of the ecosystem would be helpful
- History of Human Activity and Use. Describe the history of human occupation of the ecosystem and describe the nature of human agricultural and industrial use in the area. Where appropriate include a description of the relationship between the ecosystem and the native peoples who live in these areas.
- HIPPO factors. Detail how the various HIPPO factors have influenced the ecosystem's biotic and abiotic factors.
- Environmental Efforts. Describe the organizations and their efforts that have attempted to restore the ecosystem.
Mechanics.
- 4-6 single spaced pages plus a cover page and work cited page.
- 1 inch margins all around.
- 12 point font in standard font style.
- Appropriate parenthetical citations.
- At least 6 different works cited. Internet citations are fine so long as the correct, accessible address is included on the work cited page.
Oral Presentation, 20%
4-5 minutes that review the most significant aspects of your research.You may use file card notes, but you may not read from your paper. Be prepared to answer questions from the class.
Power Point Presentation, 10%
7-10 slides that support your presentation. Avoid distracting and irritating graphics.
Suggested Topics
- Introduction of wolves into the western United States
- Preservation of coral reefs in the Caribbean Ocean
- Salmon fisheries of the Pacific Northwest
- Florida Everglades and water management
- Colorado River system and water management and power production
- Forest fires and the protection of the Yellowstone forest ecosystem
- Rehabilitation of the great plains grasslands
- Protection of the Madagascan animal/plant communities
- Bamboo forests of China and its relationship to Panda populations
- Southwestern deserts and native American culture
- Arctic wildlife areas, oil exploration, and native American cultures
- Mediterranean costal ecosystems
You may find other topics that you would like to pursue for this project. If so, be sure that you get approval from your teacher before starting your research.
