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Project Description Project Goals Illinois and CPS Learning Standards

Unit Prerequisites Performance Tasks Performance Assessment Plan

Medill Pond Quest - Teacher Page

Project Description

Students will work collaboratively as they take on the role of ecological consultants to Medill Elementary School. They will gather information on the current ecosystem of the school’s pond. They will make recommendations to the principal if the pond elements can be improved to support the development and survival of bullfrogs in the school’s pond.

Project Goals

Essential Question:

Is it possible to replicate a natural ecosystem?

Specific Questions:

What is the current ecological composition of the school’s pond?

What components make up a natural pond ecosystem?

What components are lacking in the school’s ponds that are necessary to support its living organisms?

Illinois and CPS Learning Standards

STATE GOAL 3:	CAS A	CFS 1-4
	CAS C	CFS 3
STATE GOAL 4:	CAS C	CFS 1 & 3
STATE GOAL 5:	CAS A	CFS 2
STATE GOAL 12:	CAS B	CFS 2

Unit Prerequisites

· Students will have a general understanding of an ecosystem.

· Students will be able to interpret and create graphs using Microsoft Excel.

· Students will be able to navigate around the World Wide Web using resource links.

· Students will have a basic understanding of how to use email.

· Students will have an understanding of the life cycle of a frog.

Performance Tasks

Access:

· Gather information necessary to analyze the ecological condition of the Medill pond.

· Examine the current ecological condition of the Medill pond based on your information.

· Ask experts in the field about their recommendations or suggestions.

· Research the natural ecosystems of bullfrogs.

· Interview a pet storeowner to get his/her recommendations regarding the supplies needed to support the life cycle of a frog

· Ask experts at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium advice on reproducing the natural ecological system of bullfrogs by emailing them at the address listed below

Interpret:

· Organize your data using the worksheet entitled “Pond Research”.

· Combine information gathered from website research.

· Compare the information you found in your research and interviews with the data you collected on the Medill pond.

Produce:

· Generate a conclusion on whether it is possible to improve the pond conditions in order to support frog development.

· Formulate your questions based on your research.

· Build a presentation using Power Point on recommendations made and why.

Communicate:

· Discuss the data you collected.

· Present a Power Point presentation informing Mr. Metz of your recommendation(s).

· Debate which presentation was the most persuasive.

Evaluate:

· Critique own work and work of others using rubrics.

· Evaluate your level of participation and that of your teammates.

· Judge the effectiveness of your presentation.

Performance Assessment Plan

Performance Indicators	Assessment Tool
Language Arts – Grade 5
3.A.1 to 4 3.C.3 5.A.2	Content-specific rubric; group work checklist; and teacher observation.
Science – Grade 5
12.B.2	Checklist and teacher observation.