Rain Forests - Discussion

It's time for another discussion! Look back at the guidelines post if needed so you can remember to include all the necessary items for this assignment.

Learn
Use these links to learn more about tropical rain forests.
Tropical Rainforest

Rainforest

The Tropical Rain Forest

Discuss
Answer these questions in the Comments section of this post. Remember to come back in and respond to at least one classmate.
You may want to look back at the Forests post to help you answer these questions.

1) How are deciduous, temperate, and tropical rain forests alike and different?

2) Name some adaptations of forest animals or plants.

3) List the six layers of forests. Choose two layers to describe in your own words.

References
Blue Planet Biomes. (n.d.). Tropical rainforest. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/rainforest.htm

Butler, R.A. (2007). Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) [Photograph]. Retrieved November 5, 2008 from http://travel.mongabay.com/pix/peru/tambopata-Tambopata_1029_4696.html

Missouri Botanical Garden. (2002). Rainforest. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/rforest/index.htm

Ritter, M.E. (2006). The forest biome: The tropical rain forest. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/biogeography/biomes_tropical_forests_page_1.html

Tundra - Discussion

Here is another discussion post for you.
Remember to look back at the guidelines post so you can be sure to include all the required parts of this assignment.

Learn
Use these links to learn about the tundra:
Tundra - this site will tell you where the tundra is located as well as facts about the tundra and tundra plants and animals (be sure to click on each one!)
There are also some photographs of the tundra in Finland.

The Tundra Biome - Click here and use the links of this page to learn about the tundra's climate as well as the animals and plants that live there. You can also read some interesting tundra facts.

Tundra Biomes - This site will tell you about the arctic tundra and the alpine tundra. You can also click on a link on this page to see some more images of tundra biomes.

Discuss
1) How is the tundra like a desert?

2) How do you think animals who live in this biome stay warm?

This assignment is worth 5 points.


*Elk clip art retrieved November 18, 2008 from my personal copy of Microsoft Office 2008 Word Clip Art. Use terms can be viewed at http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/useterms/default.aspx

References
Missouri Botanical Garden. (2002). Tundra. Retrieved November 3, 2008 from http://www.mbgnet.net/sets/tundra/index.htm

Office for Mac 2008 home and student edition [Computer software]. (2008). city: Microsoft Corporation.

University of Richmond. (n.d.). The tundra biome. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webunits/biomes/tundra.html

World Biomes. (2002). Tundra biomes. Retrieved November 3, 2008 from http://www.worldbiomes.com/biomes_tundra.htm

Deserts - Discussion

Learn

Click on the link to watch a short video clip about the desert biome (the video is approximately 2 minutes long).
Desert Video

Take a look at these websites to learn more about deserts.
Desert
The Desert Biome
Map and definition of deserts

Discuss

Your assignment for this post is to respond to the following discussion questions. Remember to look back at the guidelines post to make sure you follow all the guidelines for discussion posts.
Once you have answered the questions, come back in and comment on the answers of at least one classmate.

1) Use your own words to provide a definition of the word "desert."

2) What type of plants are most common in deserts? Name at least two desert plants.

3) Compare and contrast hot and dry deserts and cold deserts. Write at least two sentences.

This assignment is worth 5 five points.

References
Free Nature Pictures. (n.d.). Huge white sand dunes in Death Valley, California [Photograph]. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://www.freenaturepictures.com/pictures/desert-dunes-1.php

How Stuff Works. (2008). Biomes: Desert [Video]. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/6024-biomes-desert-video.htm#

Richmond University. (n.d.). The desert biome. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webunits/biomes/desert.html

Stetson, N. (2000). Desert. Retrieved November 4, 2008 from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/desert.htm

University of California Museum of Paleontology. (n.d.). The desert biome. Retrieved November 3, 2008 from http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/deserts.php

The Biosphere - Discussion

This is the first of our discussion topics. Please refer to the previous post that listed the expectations for the discussion threads.

Learn

Click on the links below and read the information. You may take notes if you like while you read.
Geography4Kids.com: Biosphere

The Earth's Biosphere

Discuss

Click on "Post a Comment" at the bottom of this post and answer the following two questions:

1) What do you think the word "biosphere" means? Try breaking it up into two words and then use your own words to describe what you think it means.

2) What living and nonliving things are part of the biosphere?

Remember:
*Use complete sentences when you answer the questions and include the question in your answer. For example, you may write "I think the word biosphere means..."
*Each answer should include at least two sentences.
*Check your spelling and punctuation before submitting your comments.
*After you complete your own post, please come back in and comment on the post from at least one classmate. Remember to include your classmate's name at the beginning of your post.
*State where you got your information. There are instructions on how to do this in the previous post.

This assignment is worth 5 points.

References
KidsGeo.com. (2008). The earth's biosphere. Retrieved November 2, 2008 from http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0153-biosphere.php

Rader, A. (2008). Biosphere basics. Retrieved November 2, 2008 from http://www.geography4kids.com/files/land_intro.html

Discussion Topics - Expectations

As part of this unit on biomes, you will be required to respond to some discussion questions. The title of these posts will always include the word "discussion."

Before you respond to the first discussion post, you will need to read these requirements and expectations. This will help you understand what I'm looking for so you can be successful with these assignments.

Why include a discussion thread?
I've included the discussion topics as a way for you to show what you have learned. These assignments also provide me with an additional opportunity to evaluate your learning. Additionally, the discussions will allow you to communicate with your classmates on this unit.

Expectations:
*You will use the Comments option to respond to each discussion topic.
*You will have one week to respond to each discussion topic.
*During the course of the week, you will be responded to post your own answer as well as to respond to at least one classmate.
*When you respond to a classmate, please address them at the beginning of your response. For example, type something like "Hello Sally," and then begin your response.
*Your responses to classmates should be respectful. You may ask questions or add to what your classmates have said.
*If someone comments on your response, it is considered polite to answer their questions.

Grading:
Each discussion topic will be worth up to five (5) points. You will be graded based on the quality of your response.
Did you use complete sentences?
Did you punctuate your sentences correctly?
Did you use facts from your research (the sites or materials provided with the discussion questions)?
Did you remember to cite your sources (tell me where you found your information)?
Did you respond to at least one classmate?
If a classmate responded to your comments, did you respond to them?

Citing your sources:
Here is how I would like you to show me where you found your facts.
Please include this at the bottom of your post:
Author's name(s). The year of publication. Title of the website. Date you retrieved (found) the information and the website address.
Here is an example for you:
Rader, A. (2008). Biosphere basics. Retrieved November 2, 2008 from http://www.geography4kids.com/files/land_intro.html
Hints:
Use commas around the year.
To italicize your site title (make the writing slanted), highlight the title by moving the mouse over the words while you press the mouse button and then press the i button above (on the formatting bar above your post).
Write the month in expanded format. Use November 2, 2008 rather than 11/2/08.

**If you have questions, please feel free to post a comment on this post.**