Introduction
Welcome to the Florida Everglades!
The Everglades is a special ecosystem in South Florida that is home to many plants and animals. Some animals, like alligators, panthers, and manatees, depend on this environment to survive.
In this WebQuest, you will become a wildlife explorer! You will learn about Everglades animals, their habitats, and how environmental changes affect them.
Guiding Questions:
- What animals live in the Everglades?
- How do these animals survive in their habitats?
- How do environmental changes affect them?
- What can we do to protect the Everglades?
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:
- Identify animals and habitats found in the Everglades. (Remember)
- Explain how animals adapt to their environments. (Understand)
- Analyze how environmental changes affect wildlife. (Analyze)
- Create a group presentation explaining how to protect the Everglades. (Create)
Florida Science Standards:
SC.5.L.17.1 – Compare and contrast adaptations that help plants and animals survive in different environments.
SC.5.L.15.1 – Describe how environmental changes affect the survival of plants and animals.
Task
Your mission is to become an Everglades Wildlife Expert!
You will work in a group of three students to research the Florida Everglades and create a 5-slide presentation using Canva.
Your presentation must include:
- Title Slide: Your project title and group members' names.
- Everglades Habitat: Describe the Everglades and its environment.
- Wildlife: Introduce two animals and explain how they survive in their habitats.
- Environmental Threats: Explain one threat to the Everglades and how it affects wildlife.
- Protecting the Everglades: Share two ways people can help protect this ecosystem.
Include pictures, short explanations, and information from your research. Each group will present its project to the class.
Process
Follow these steps to complete your WebQuest.
Step 1: Form Your Group
Work in a group of three students. Each student will have a different role:
- Wildlife Researcher: Research two Everglades animals and explain how they survive.
- Environmental Researcher: Research Everglades habitats, environmental threats, and ways to protect wildlife.
- Presentation Designer: Organize the information and create the Canva slides with help from the group.
Everyone must participate in researching, reviewing, and presenting the project.
Step 2: Research the Everglades
Use these websites to find information:
- Everglades National Park – Nature: https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/index.htm
- Everglades National Park – Wildlife: https://home.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/wildlife.htm
- U.S. Geological Survey – Everglades Ecology: https://www.usgs.gov/geology-and-ecology-of-national-parks/ecology-everglades-national-park
- Everglades National Park – Invasive Species: https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/invasivespecies.htm
Write down important facts in your own words.
Step 3: Work Together Online
Use a shared Google Doc to collect research and organize your ideas. Each group member should add information related to their role.
Use Google Classroom comments to ask questions, share updates, and give feedback. This is asynchronous communication because students can respond at different times.
Google Docs: https://docs.google.com
Step 4: Create Your Presentation
Visit https://www.canva.com/education/ and create your five slides.
Add pictures, important facts, and short explanations. Make sure everyone contributes and the information is accurate.
Step 5: Present Your Project
Each group will give a 3–5 minute presentation to the class. Every student must explain at least one part of the project.
Evaluation
Your group presentation will be graded using the following rubric.
| Criteria | Excellent (20 pts) | Good (15 pts) | Needs Improvement (10 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research | Accurate and complete information | Mostly accurate information | Missing or incorrect information |
| Wildlife & Habitats | Clearly explains two animals and their adaptations | Explains most information | Limited explanations |
| Environmental Threats | Clearly explains a threat and two solutions | Explains a threat and one solution | Missing important details |
| Presentation | Five organized, creative slides with pictures | Mostly organized slides | Missing slides or difficult to follow |
| Teamwork | Everyone participates and presents | Most members participate | Limited group participation |
Total Possible Points: 100
Students will be evaluated on their research, understanding of the Everglades, creativity, and teamwork.
Conclusion
Congratulations, Wildlife Explorers!
You have completed your journey through the Florida Everglades! During this WebQuest, you learned about different animals, their habitats, and the importance of protecting the environment.
You also practiced researching information, working with classmates, and using technology to share what you learned.
Enrichment Activity:
Want to learn more? Explore the endangered animals of the Everglades using the National Park Service website:
https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/techecklist.htm
Choose one animal and write three interesting facts about it. Then explain one way people can help protect it.
Remember, even small actions can make a difference in protecting our environment!