Begin 'Ecosystem Stability & Change' Final Project

Roses & Thorns with your elbow partner(s)!
I hope you had a good Thanksgiving break :)

Check in on the calendar:
-This week: Tutorial Thursday & Friday
-Q2 Progress Reports are due on December 10th (next Tues)
-Synergy has been updated and is current
-Hard deadline for all fall work is the last day of class before winter break: December 20th

OK...science!

Essential Questions we've asked this year in biology:
How has the land in Portland Metro area changed over time?
How do certain factors affect arthropod biodiversity at Tabor?
How can we conserve urban biodiversity as the Portland Metro Area’s human population continues to grow?

In biology textbooks, ecosystems and biomes are generally described in 'ideal' terms, without including humans as a participant in ecosystem function and processes. As we have learned throughout our studies this fall, humans in Portland and around the world are influencing ecosystem function and stability. (I'm looking at you, climate change.)

As the final assessment for our ecosystem unit, you will complete an 'Ecosystem Stability & Change' project.Through this project, each person (or pair of people) will be responsible for exploring and explaining the specific ways in which humans are impacting particular global ecosystems, moving them away from the textbook model. (we will spend the next 4 class periods on this)

In Google Classroom:
First, browse through the list of articles that highlight ecological issues caused by humans in different areas of the world. Claim a topic by signing up on the document shared with your class period (work independently or in pairs).
Then, complete the article summary document.

You will also analyze the trophic levels and food webs associated with your ecosystem (Wednesday) and present a brief description of your ecosystem/issue (Friday).
The final unit assessment will be on Tuesday, Dec. 10th