Science 10

Sustainability of Ecosystems Final Project

Curriculum outcomes:

Analyse the impact of external factors on an ecosystem (331-6)

Select compile and display evidence and information from various sources, in different formats, to support a given view in a presentation about ecosystem change (214-3, 213-7)

Communicate questions, ideas and intentions and receive, understand, support and respond to the ideas of others in preparing a report about ecosystem change (215-1)

Research your chosen topic. Your information must include:

  • At least 3 different news articles (prefer reputable Canadian source such as CBC news within the last five years)
  • At least one government of Canada or Province website
  • At least one university department or staff website

You will print the relevant information and plan how to present your information to show your teacher for the first progress check.

You must understand your topic in depth. You will prepare an organized summary in POINT FORM using mainly your own words for the second progress check.

You will prepare a 3-D model, poster, pamphlet, or laptop power point presentation with the goal of informing your classmates about a current environmental issue.

You will put your information in an attractive, interesting and informative display that does not require further explanation.

Day 1: Choose a partner and ONE of the following topics.

1.Describe how an invasive species introduced by humans has had an effect on a Nova Scotia ecosystem. How did the species get here and when? How far has it spread? What can be done to minimize further impacts?

2.Explain the controversy of wild fish versus farmed fish(aquaculture). What are the benefits and the risks? What problems are caused by aquaculture in Nova Scotia ecosystems and what can be done to reduce the impact? What needs to be done to protect wild populations of fish?

  1. Research the effects of acid rain on Nova Scotia’s lakes and rivers. What causes acid rain and what changes have resulted in a reduction in acid rain? What still needs to be done to protect ecosystems?

4.What are some reasons that may explain why populations of frogs and toads have been decreasing in North America and around the world? How does such a decline in numbers reflect on the health of the ecosystems of which they form a part?

5.How does the introduction of bass, pickerel or other sport fish affect indigenous (native) lake trout and brook trout? Where have sport fish been introduced and what problems are they causing in Nova Scotia?

  1. What standards required by the Forest Stewardship Council of Canada must be met for a forestry practise to be “certified”? How does this reduce impacts to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?What companies in Nova Scotia are certified?
  1. What practices in sustainable agriculture/organic farming contribute to minimize impacts on ecosystems? Where are most organic farms located in Nova Scotia? Why?
  1. There are many environmental organizations in Canada. What is one of the following organizations doing to sustain an ecosystem in Nova Scotia? Why is this ecosystem important?
  • World Wildlife Fund
  • Pollution Probe
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Greenbelt of Ontario
  • Nature Conservancy of Canada
  • The Sierra Club of Canada
  • The Suzuki Foundation

Progress Check 1Names:______

Information ( 5 points)

What are the KEY ideas? Give a point form summary of the most important facts.

Project plan(2 points)

Describe(or sketch) the format of your presentation and how will you present the information?

Research (5 points)

The following information must beprinted and attached:

  • At least 3 different news articles (prefer reputable Canadian source such as CBC news within the last five years)
  • At least one government of Canada or Province website
  • At least one university department or staff website

Teacher comments/suggestions:

Progress Check 2Names:______

Information ( 10 points) Using a highlighter, select the most important facts in your printed information

Give a point form summary of AT LEAST 20 important facts. ORGANIZE them into at least 4 categories. BE SURE you have answered the key questions in your project.

Progress Check 3Names:______

Rough draft.

You must have another team edit your rough draft to be sure it contains no errors, makes sense and is organized.

Which group has edited your project? Names: ______

Comments and suggestions from editing group:

Comments and suggestions from teacher:

Final Evaluation

Exceeds Expectations / Meets Expectations / Does Not Meet Expectations / Score
Points Earned / 3 / 2 / 1 or 0
Layout / Creatively enhances information / Neat, easy to read, uncluttered, / Untidy, cluttered, hard to read
Graphics/model / All graphics are engaging, enhance text / Graphics enhance text / Graphics do not enhance text
Writing / Well written and organized, clear, easy to follow / Adequately written and organized, clear, reasonably easy to follow / Poorly written and organized, unclear, hard to follow
Grammar and Spelling / No grammar or spelling errors / 1-3 grammar or spelling errors / Many grammar and spelling errors
Quality of Information / clear, complete, concise / mostly clear, could be a little more concise / not clear, incomplete, not concise
References / Easy to identify where each idea/graphic was found / General references provided / No references provided
TOTAL