Survivor: Earth - Biome Survival Challenge
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can an understanding of a biome's climate, resources, and animal adaptations inform human survival strategies, and how are these strategies shaped by the biome's unique landforms?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does climate shape the physical environment of a biome?
- What resources are available in this biome, and how can they be used for survival?
- What are the unique challenges and opportunities for human survival in this biome?
- How have animals adapted to survive in this biome, and what can humans learn from them?
- How do the landforms of this biome affect human settlement and activity?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will research and analyze the climate, resources, and wildlife of a chosen biome (desert, tundra, rainforest, savanna, etc.).
- Students will investigate and evaluate human adaptations and survival strategies in extreme environments.
- Students will synthesize their research into a survival guide or "Survivor" game pitch, demonstrating their understanding of the biome's unique characteristics.
- Students will effectively communicate their findings through an illustrated survival guide or presentation.
Academic Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEmergency Rescue Mission
The class is transformed into a simulated emergency scenario where a group of researchers has gone missing in their biome. Students must analyze the last transmissions, weather data, and resource inventories to develop a rescue plan and survival strategy.The Mystery Package: Surviving the Extremes
Students are shown a series of captivating images and video clips showcasing different extreme environments and the innovative ways people have adapted to survive in them. They then receive a mysterious, undelivered package containing artifacts from different biomes, prompting them to investigate the origins and purpose of each item.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Settlement Strategist: Mapping Habitable Zones
In this activity, students will combine their knowledge of the biome's landforms, climate, and resources to predict the most suitable locations for human settlement. They will analyze factors such as access to water, availability of food, protection from natural disasters, and ease of transportation to determine the optimal settlement zones.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 map identifying potential settlement zones within the biome, along with a rationale explaining the factors that make these zones suitable for human habitation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsWG.2.1 and WG.2.2 (landforms, climate, ecosystems). Synthesizes understanding of biomes to predict settlement viability.Climate & Calamity Analysis: Preparing for the Inevitable
Students will investigate the specific climate conditions of their biome and analyze how these conditions affect the environment and human activities. They will also research the impact of natural disasters (e.g., droughts, floods, wildfires) on their biome and propose strategies for mitigating their effects.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 climate analysis report and a disaster mitigation plan tailored to the chosen biome.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsWG.2.2 (Analyze the effects of physical processes on the environment and human activities). Explores how climate and natural disasters impact human survival.Biome Mapping Expedition: Charting the Course of Survival
Students will begin by creating a detailed map of their chosen biome, marking key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations. This map will serve as the foundation for understanding how the environment influences human settlement and activities.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, labeled map of the chosen biome, including key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsWG.2.1 (Use maps and other geographic tools to explain the development of human settlement and economic activities). Focuses on using maps to understand human settlement.The Ultimate Survival Showcase: Game Pitch or Survival Guide
Students will synthesize their research and analysis into a 'Survivor' game pitch or illustrated survival guide. The game pitch should outline the rules, strategies, and challenges of surviving in their chosen biome. The survival guide should provide practical advice and tips for adapting to the biome's unique conditions, using the knowledge gained in previous activities.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 comprehensive 'Survivor' game pitch (rules, strategies, map) or an illustrated survival guide that incorporates all research and analysis from previous activities.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsWG.2.1 and WG.2.2. Culminates in the 'Survivor' game pitch, integrating all learned elements.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio“Survivor: Earth” Portfolio Rubric
Biome Mapping Expedition
Focuses on the creation of a detailed biome map and the explanation of the interactions between its key features.Map Accuracy and Detail
Accuracy and thoroughness of the biome map, including key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe map is exceptionally detailed, accurately representing all key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations with precise labeling and clear visual representation. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the biome's physical geography.
Proficient
3 PointsThe map is detailed and accurately represents most key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations with clear labeling. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the biome's physical geography.
Developing
2 PointsThe map shows some key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations, but may lack detail or accuracy in labeling and representation. Demonstrates an emerging understanding of the biome's physical geography.
Beginning
1 PointsThe map is incomplete, lacking key landforms, climate zones, and resource locations. Demonstrates a beginning understanding of the biome's physical geography.
Explanation of Interactions
Explanation of how the landforms, climate, and resources interact and influence potential human settlement patterns.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful explanation of the complex interactions between landforms, climate, and resources, and their profound influence on human settlement patterns. Shows exceptional critical thinking and analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and logical explanation of the interactions between landforms, climate, and resources, and their influence on human settlement patterns. Shows effective critical thinking and analysis.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic explanation of the interactions between landforms, climate, and resources, and their influence on human settlement patterns, but may lack depth or detail. Demonstrates basic critical thinking.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited or unclear explanation of the interactions between landforms, climate, and resources, and their influence on human settlement patterns. Demonstrates minimal critical thinking.
Climate & Calamity Analysis
Focuses on the analysis of climate and the development of a disaster mitigation plan.Climate Analysis Accuracy
Accuracy and depth of the climate analysis, including temperature ranges, precipitation levels, and seasonal variations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe climate analysis is exceptionally accurate and detailed, providing a comprehensive understanding of temperature ranges, precipitation levels, and seasonal variations. Demonstrates sophisticated research and analytical skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe climate analysis is accurate and detailed, providing a thorough understanding of temperature ranges, precipitation levels, and seasonal variations. Demonstrates effective research and analytical skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe climate analysis is generally accurate but may lack detail or depth in the discussion of temperature ranges, precipitation levels, or seasonal variations. Demonstrates emerging research and analytical skills.
Beginning
1 PointsThe climate analysis is incomplete or inaccurate, lacking key information about temperature ranges, precipitation levels, and seasonal variations. Demonstrates beginning research and analytical skills.
Disaster Mitigation Plan
Effectiveness and feasibility of the disaster mitigation plan, outlining strategies for reducing the impact of natural disasters.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe disaster mitigation plan is exceptionally effective and feasible, demonstrating innovative strategies for reducing the impact of natural disasters. Shows a deep understanding of the biome's vulnerabilities and advanced problem-solving skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe disaster mitigation plan is effective and feasible, outlining clear strategies for reducing the impact of natural disasters. Shows a thorough understanding of the biome's vulnerabilities and effective problem-solving skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe disaster mitigation plan is somewhat effective but may lack feasibility or detail in the outlined strategies for reducing the impact of natural disasters. Demonstrates basic problem-solving skills.
Beginning
1 PointsThe disaster mitigation plan is ineffective or lacks feasibility, failing to provide clear strategies for reducing the impact of natural disasters. Demonstrates minimal problem-solving skills.
Settlement Strategist
Focuses on identifying and justifying suitable settlement zones within the chosen biome.Settlement Zone Identification
Identification of suitable settlement zones based on access to water, food, protection from disasters, and ease of transportation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe identification of settlement zones is exceptionally insightful and well-justified, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between environmental factors and human needs. Shows innovative application of knowledge.
Proficient
3 PointsThe identification of settlement zones is logical and well-justified, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the interplay between environmental factors and human needs. Shows effective application of knowledge.
Developing
2 PointsThe identification of settlement zones is reasonable but may lack strong justification or consideration of all relevant factors. Demonstrates emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsThe identification of settlement zones is illogical or poorly justified, demonstrating a limited understanding of the interplay between environmental factors and human needs. Shows beginning understanding.
Rationale Clarity
Clarity and coherence of the rationale explaining the selection criteria for the identified settlement zones.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe rationale is exceptionally clear, coherent, and persuasive, providing a comprehensive explanation of the selection criteria and demonstrating sophisticated communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe rationale is clear, coherent, and persuasive, providing a thorough explanation of the selection criteria and demonstrating effective communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe rationale is understandable but may lack clarity, coherence, or persuasiveness in explaining the selection criteria. Demonstrates basic communication skills.
Beginning
1 PointsThe rationale is unclear, incoherent, or unpersuasive, failing to provide a clear explanation of the selection criteria. Demonstrates minimal communication skills.
The Ultimate Survival Showcase
Focuses on the final 'Survivor' game pitch or survival guide and the effectiveness of the presentation.Creativity and Originality
Creativity and originality of the 'Survivor' game pitch or illustrated survival guide.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game pitch or survival guide is exceptionally creative, original, and engaging, demonstrating innovative thinking and a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of survival in the chosen biome.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game pitch or survival guide is creative, original, and engaging, demonstrating thoughtful consideration of the challenges and opportunities of survival in the chosen biome.
Developing
2 PointsThe game pitch or survival guide shows some creativity but may lack originality or engagement. Demonstrates basic understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game pitch or survival guide lacks creativity, originality, and engagement, failing to capture the challenges and opportunities of survival in the chosen biome.
Integration of Biome Information
Integration of biome information (landforms, climate, resources, human adaptation strategies) into the final product.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe final product seamlessly integrates comprehensive information on the biome's landforms, climate, resources, and human adaptation strategies, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their interconnectedness.
Proficient
3 PointsThe final product effectively integrates thorough information on the biome's landforms, climate, resources, and human adaptation strategies, demonstrating a strong understanding of their interconnectedness.
Developing
2 PointsThe final product includes some information on the biome's landforms, climate, resources, and human adaptation strategies, but the integration may be incomplete or superficial. Demonstrates emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsThe final product lacks key information on the biome's landforms, climate, resources, or human adaptation strategies, demonstrating a limited understanding of their interconnectedness.
Presentation Clarity
Clarity and effectiveness of the presentation, demonstrating understanding of survival challenges and opportunities.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and persuasive, demonstrating a profound understanding of the survival challenges and opportunities in the chosen biome. Shows advanced presentation skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, engaging, and persuasive, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the survival challenges and opportunities in the chosen biome. Shows effective presentation skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is understandable but may lack clarity, engagement, or persuasiveness. Demonstrates basic presentation skills.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, disengaging, or unpersuasive, failing to demonstrate a clear understanding of the survival challenges and opportunities in the chosen biome. Demonstrates minimal presentation skills.