Threats to the Planet Project
Background Information:
The world is a very diverse natural system. Humans are a part of this diverse system and are subject to many of the
limiting factors that limit our carrying capacity as well as the carrying capacity of all organisms. Thus far, you have
done preliminary research about the various biomes on the planet, the resources that we use, and the potential
threats that are associated with their use.
Your task in a team of 3 or 4 is to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Identify a specific threat to a specific biome.
Design a modified/unique solution to that identified threat.
Create a poster of your threat and proposed solution.
Create a public service announcement to gain public support for your solution.
Create a presentation about the identified threat and your solution that you will present to the class.
Part 1 Task: Initial Research, Identifying the threat Due 5/24
In your groups, research the following objectives:
A. Pick and identify a biome that is currently threatened. (Your biome can be any of the biomes that you
have researched thus far or an aquatic/marine ecosystem)
B. Describe the following nutrient cycles:
a. Carbon Cycle
b. Nitrogen Cycle
c. Phosphorous Cycle
C. Explain how the biome you chose cycles the above nutrients from their abiotic source, through living
organisms, and back to the abiotic source.
D. Identify and describe a specific threat to your biome and how the above cycles are taken out of balance by
your threat.
E. Describe how your threat can reduce biodiversity of your biome.
Part 2 Task: Current solutions to your threat Due 5/26
In your groups, complete the following objectives:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Identify a solution to your identified threat that is currently being used.
Explain how that solution attempts to solve the identified threat.
Specifically explain how the solution can aid in increasing biodiversity.
Specifically explain how the solution can specifically bring the nutrient cycles back into balance.
Modify the solution so that you a high school student in San Jose, CA at Leland can implement the solution.
(This will be the initial solution to your identified threat.)
Part 3 Task: Poster of your Design 5/26.
In your groups, complete the following task:
Create two posters showing and describing your solution to the identified threat. The posters must include the
following 5 exact headings. Put three headings on one and the remaining two on the other.
1) The Threat – Identify and describe the threat that you researched.
2) Effects on Biodiversity – Explain how the threat you researched lowers biodiversity.
3) The Solution – Describe your proposed solution. How does it attempt to solve the identified threat? How
can the solution increase biodiversity?
4) Nutrient Cycles – Explain how the carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle are taken out of balance by your threat.
5) Your poster must show your solution and how it will be implemented.
Part 4 Task: Public service announcement (PSA) Due 5/31
Public service announcements (PSAs) are short messages produced on film, videotape, DVD, audiotape, etc. They
are designed by the media (you) with the objective of raising awareness and changing public attitudes and behavior
towards a specific issue.
You will create and present a PSA about the threat and solution that you and your group identified and designed.
The PSA should be relevant to any audience. The PSA should be 2 to 3 minutes long.
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The PSA may be in any format you choose
Some examples include: live skit, short film, video, animation, song, etc.
Be creative. Use props, costumes, music, etc.
The PSA Needs to inform the audience of:
o The threat to the biome you identified.
o Why we should care about the issue.
o The solution to the threat that you and your group designed.
o What the audience can do to get involved to support your cause and help you make the
change that you feel is necessary.
Part 5 Task: Presentation Due 5/31
In your groups, create a lecture slide presentation about your research, following the order of steps listed below.
o
o
o
o
o
Identify the threat to a specific biome
Explain how that threat affects biodiversity
Describe how the threat affects the Carbon Cycle and the Nitrogen Cycle
Describe the design of your solution and how it addresses the threat identified
Bibliography
There is no limit on the number of slides for each step, however the slides cannot be too wordy.
Your slides will be used as talking points for the group presentation that you and your teammates deliver to the
class (Do not read off the slides).
Make index note cards for the group to use during the presentation if needed.
Share the Google Slides/Prezi (lecture slides) with me ([email protected]) at least ONE day before the
assignment is due.
Part 6 Task : Extra Credit (Optional) Due 6/2 (No late Extra Credit work will be accepted)
Option 1: 3-D Model or Simulation of Solution
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Create a 3-D model of your solution for the threat to biodiversity
The display must have an index card attached with:
o the name of your biome
o the threat to your biome
o a short explanation of your display
OR
Option 2: A computer simulation to test your solution
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The computer simulation must demonstrate:
o how the solution would address the threat to biodiversity
o what the impacts of the solution are on the identified problem