Lesson 1: Comparing local, national, international biomes

Introduction /Theme:

A biome is a distinct geographical region that is defined by the dominant plant life and climate. In this lesson, students will compare climate data from Raleigh North Carolina, Las Vegas Nevada, and Brasilia Brazil, to determine the biome of the 3 regions. The students will collect local meteorological data to develop an understanding about how scientists collect meteorological data on a daily basis.

Learning outcomes:

The student will calculate annual averages using 3 different climate sets. From this data, students will determine which biome is represented by each data set. Students will collect short-term meteorological data to understand how quantitative data is gathered on a daily basis. The student will calculate annual averages using three climate data sets. The student will compare three climate data sets to determine the biome each data set corresponds.

Curriculum alignment:

6th grade

• 1.06 Use mathematics to gather, organize, and present quantitative data resulting from scientific investigations: measurement, analysis of data, graphing, prediction models.
• 1.09 Use technologies and information systems to: research, gather and analyze data, visualize data, disseminate findings to others. (if optional technology is used during this lesson)
• 7.02 Investigate factors that determine the growth and survival of organisms including: light, temperature range, mineral availability, soil/rock type, water, energy.

Classroom time required:

3 class periods double block or 5 regular class periods

Materials needed:

• Thermometers
• Rain gauges
• Data representing rainfall and temperature monthly averages for Raleigh, North Carolina, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Brasilia, Brazil.
• Classifying Biomes chart
• Graph Paper
• Computer access with Microsoft Excel (optional)

Technology resources:

Optional computer access with Microsoft Excel

Pre-activities:

Collection of rainfall and temperature data over a 1-month time period at the school. This data collection experience prior to this lesson will allow students to be involved in hands-on data collection. Data collection can occur every day for classes that meet daily. Data collection for classes on the block schedule (or alternate days) can have classes collect data on alternate days, and then combine the data so students to analyze a full month. A graph with the collected daily data can be made for a warm-up activity.

Activities:

Warm-up activity - Analysis of 1-month rainfall and temperature data for Raleigh North Carolina with a graphing exercise. During this activity, proper graphing techniques can also be reviewed. Teacher will guide students to then make a class graph to post in the classroom as a visual to demonstrate proper graphing techniques. Excel graphing optional.

Classifying Biomes chart - Students will work in groups to complete the chart as a class on classifying biomes based on dominant vegetation and climate. Library or textbooks are recommended to help students seek information. This will be used as a reference for students.

Calculating Average & Determining Biomes - During independent work, students will be given monthly average temperature and rainfall for Raleigh, North Carolina, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Brasilia, Brazil. Students will calculate the annual averages. Students will refer to the Classifying Biomes chart to determine the biomes in which Raleigh, Las Vegas, and Brasilia are classified.

Assessment:

At the end of the warm-up, students will compare graphs. Students will also make a class graph to post in the classroom as a visual for proper graphing techniques. As students are working in groups designing the biomes chart, students will be observed informally and by participation. The teacher will offer guidance on how to find information in the books and the computer. Students will be graded on how well they can relate their data to the classifying biomes chart.

Critical vocabulary:

X-axis, Y-axis, origin, data, average, climate, biome, mean, median