Introduction
Have you ever wondered how energy flows in nature? Why do some animals disappear if certain plants die? In this WebQuest, you will explore how organisms in an ecosystem depend on each other through food chains and food webs. By the end, you will become an ecosystem detective, creating your very own food web!
Task
Your mission is to create a detailed food web for a chosen ecosystem (forest, desert, ocean, or grassland). You will identify producers, consumers, and decomposers, show their interactions, and explain what happens if one species is removed. Your final product will be a digital poster or presentation illustrating your food web with clear labels and explanations.
Process
Step-by-step guide for students.
Example:
Step 1: Choose an ecosystem (forest, ocean, desert, or grassland).
Step 2: Research the plants and animals that live in that ecosystem using the provided resources.
Step 3: Identify which organisms are producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers.
Step 4: Construct your food web using a digital tool (Canva, Google Slides, or Draw.io).
Step 5: Write a short paragraph explaining how the organisms interact and what might happen if one species disappears.
Step 6: Submit your food web along with your paragraph.
Evaluation
Rubric showing expectations.
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of Organisms | All organisms correctly identified and classified | Most organisms correctly identified | Some mistakes in identification | Many mistakes or missing organisms |
| Food Web Structure | Clear, organized, and shows interactions accurately | Mostly clear and organized | Somewhat unclear or missing links | Unclear and incomplete |
| Explanation | Insightful explanation of interactions | Good explanation | Basic explanation | Poor or missing explanation |
| Creativity & Presentation | Very creative and visually appealing | Creative and visually appealing | Somewhat creative | Minimal effort or messy |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed your journey into the world of ecosystems. Think about what you learned about how all living things depend on each other. How does this knowledge change the way you see nature? Share your thoughts in a short reflection paragraph with your food web.