Unit: Environment
MYP Question:How do you fit into a bigger world?
IB infusion: Cross-curriculum connection between Humanities and Science. Humanities students are studying the geographical countries mainly comprised of Islamic culture found in North Africa, The Middle East, parts of central Asia and several countries located within the Indo-Pacific Islands of Malaysia. In science, students are studying the level of organization in the environment specifically, what makes up the abiotic and biotic factors of an ecosystem, where globally do different biomes exist and what factors characterize a biome.
Learning Target: Today, I will investigate what Biomes are located within nations and countries of Islamic culture. Then, I will explore a rainforest located in the Indo-Pacific region, the Bear Bay Forest, [you tube search Forest Ecosystem] ( I will be able to identify the producers, consumers, and decomposers inthis biome.Furthermore, I will be able to compare the rainforest Biome of the Indo-Pacificto a rainforest found in the African Islamic country of Sierra Leone.
Directions: Using the color key below from the Biomes Map, color in the second map of the biomes found in Islamic countries that are shaded.You will need to print the maps in BLACK and WHITE so you can color in your own map. Secondly, compare the two maps and respond to the questions or statements below in complete sentences.
Major Countries of Islamic Cultures are shaded green.
- Compare the biome colors on the continents on the World Biome Map. Explain in your own words, any patterns you see as to where the Tundra is located around the world. And, why do you think the Tundra is located in this position on the globe? (If you need help or want to see if you are right, check out:
- Why is Israel colored red? What biome would best describe the Middle East including Israel?
- After you watch the two videos on Youtube, compare and contrastthe biotic and abiotic factors fromthe rainforest of Malaysia to the rainforest of Sierra Leone. Use the Venn Diagram below to place the similar observations in the darker shaded area and the differences in the outer circles. Find 10 ways total to compare and/or contrast the two rainforests. Try to put at least 3 comparisons in each area of the Venn Diagram Circle. The Ecosystem factors that both Biomes have in common, can be placed in the darker area between the two circles. James, there is no right answer…I am only expanding your powers of observations! Cheers. Ms. Aughey
- Choose one Biome from a South American country and compare it to the same Biome from a different country located on a different continent of your choice. Create your own Venn Diagram and find 6 total ways to compare and contrast these two biomes. To help you, look up the demographics (facts or numbers about the populations or recorded data) like amount of rainfall, and temperature, as well as the plants and animals for these two countries.
- Name 3 countries in Africa that are found within the Grassland Biomes, also known as the Savannah.
- What other continents have Grassland biomes?
- Name four Islamic countries that have the biome of Temperate Grassland.
- Describe the climate differences between a Temperate Grassland and a Tropical Grassland? You can find help on the blueplanet website.
Learner Profile: Inquirer and Thinker:
Summarize any other relationships you made between the Biomes Maps, the two videos and the text book material.