
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we creatively propose and communicate effective solutions to enhance and preserve our local habitats while considering the importance of ecosystem components and the impact of human actions?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the key components of a healthy ecosystem?
- How do human actions impact local habitats?
- What creative solutions can be proposed to enhance local habitats?
- How can we effectively communicate the importance of habitat preservation to the community?
- What role does biodiversity play in the success of an ecosystem?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze local ecosystems and identify key components of a healthy habitat.
- Students will propose creative solutions to improve local habitats based on their analysis.
- Students will effectively communicate their proposals to the community through various formats, emphasizing the importance of habitat preservation.
- Students will understand the impact of human actions on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Next Generation Science Standards
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Habitat Challenge
Students arrive to find a series of clues related to a damaged local habitat. They must work together to piece together the story of what happened to this ecosystem, inspiring curiosity about habitat restoration and the effects of human activity.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Habitat Exploration & Reflection
Students investigate local habitats, noting their conditions, biodiversity, and impacts of human activity. They will then reflect on their findings to understand local ecosystem challenges.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written reflection (1-2 pages) outlining the observation findings and insights on the importance of the habitat.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with ecosystems and habitats standards by engaging students in real-world observations of local ecosystems.Campaign Vision Board
Students will create a vision board that represents their ideas for improving the health of the chosen habitat based on their observations and research.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA vibrant vision board that visually communicates ideas to improve the local habitat, ready for class presentation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with creative expression in English and encourages scientific thinking regarding ecosystem improvement.Persuasive Campaign Proposal
Students will write a persuasive proposal for their campaign, detailing their vision and the steps necessary to execute their ideas for habitat improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA persuasive written proposal (3-5 pages) that lays out the campaign plan, including evidence and potential outcomes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses W.7.1 and W.7.2 from the ELA standards by focusing on writing arguments with supporting evidence and analyzing information.Community Engagement Strategy
Students will develop a strategy for engaging the community in their habitat improvement campaign, seeking support and participation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed community engagement strategy document that outlines events, communication methods, and timeline for implementation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports community understanding of ecosystems and reinforces the importance of collaboration, aligning with social studies and science standards.Habitat Revamp Showcase
To conclude the project, students will showcase their campaigns to the class and potentially at a community event, demonstrating their plans for habitat improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative class presentation event, with each student showcasing their campaign ideas and engaging with peers and community members.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates all aspects of science and English standards, encouraging public speaking, creativity, and critical thinking skills.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHabitat Revamp Campaign Assessment Rubric
Understanding of Ecosystems and Human Impact
Assesses the student's understanding of ecosystem components, biodiversity, and human impact on habitats through their exploration and reflection.Ecosystem Analysis
Quality of analysis regarding ecosystem components and biodiversity observed during field activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly analyzes ecosystem components and biodiversity with insightful connections to real-world examples.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes ecosystem components and biodiversity with clear understanding and appropriate references.
Developing
2 PointsBasic analysis of ecosystem components and biodiversity; some misconceptions may be present.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited or inaccurate analysis of ecosystem components and biodiversity.
Human Impact Awareness
Understanding and reflection on the observed human impacts on the chosen habitat.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of human impacts, providing detailed reflections and solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively reflects on human impacts, offering clear insights and relevant solutions.
Developing
2 PointsReflects on human impacts with some insight, but lacks depth and detail in solutions.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited or unfocused reflection on human impacts with unclear solutions.
Creative Solution Design
Evaluates the creativity and innovation in proposing solutions for habitat improvement, as demonstrated in the vision board and proposal.Vision Board Creativity
Originality and creativity in the presentation of habitat improvement ideas.
Exemplary
4 PointsDisplays exceptional creativity and originality, effectively communicating a visionary improvement plan.
Proficient
3 PointsDisplays good creativity with clear and well-organized presentation of ideas.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays basic creativity; ideas are present but may lack coherence or impact.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited creativity or originality in presenting habitat improvement ideas.
Proposal Effectiveness
Clarity and persuasiveness of the written proposal for habitat improvement.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposals are exceptionally clear, logically structured and highly persuasive with strong evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsProposals are clear, well-structured, and persuasive with adequate supporting evidence.
Developing
2 PointsProposals contain some clarity but lack effective structure or persuasiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsProposals are unclear, poorly organized, and lack supporting evidence.
Collaboration and Communication
Assesses the student's contribution to group activities and ability to communicate ideas effectively to a broader audience.Collaborative Engagement
Participation and leadership in collaborative discussions and activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits leadership and high engagement, significantly enhancing group dynamics.
Proficient
3 PointsActively participates and contributes to group activities and discussions.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group activities with some hesitance; contributions are less impactful.
Beginning
1 PointsParticipates minimally or struggles to engage in group activities.
Communication Strategy
Effectiveness of the communication strategy for engaging the community.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops and implements a highly effective and innovative communication strategy.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a well-thought-out and practical communication strategy.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops a communication strategy that lacks some practicality or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create an effective communication strategy; lacks detail and clarity.