Science Week 10: Biomes

Environmental Science 5
Lesson 10
BIOMES
Biomes are the main kinds of ecosystems in the world. There are eight biomes in North America.
There are many differences among biomes. The main differences are how hot or cold it is, how much it rains, and what kinds of plants grow there.
During the next five lessons, you will be learning about six of these biomes. If the weather is warm enough, your biome observation project should be done now. If your climate prohibits outdoor observation during the winter, please do this project as soon as you can. If you need to wait, you should go ahead with the other biome study assignments at this time.

FOUR WEEK BIOME OBSERVATION PROJECT

1. Pick an area several acres in size. This will be your study area. You will be visiting this area for at least one hour every week for four weeks. Your study area can be a park if another place is not available. It will be more comfortable if you take along a cushion or lawn chair to sit on. It’s important for you to be able to sit quietly and remain alert to your surroundings. You won’t always just be sitting, though. You will be exploring your study area, and learning all you can about it. Pick different times of the week and different times of day for your visits. Try to visit your area right after a rain, snow, or other weather occurrence if you can.
On each visit, record the following information in a journal:

a. Temperature, precipitation, and wind. Bring an outdoor thermometer with you if possible, and describe the precipitation - or lack of it - and wind as best you can.
b. Describe (and name, if possible!) any animals or birds you see, and what they are doing.
c. Describe plants and trees you see. Take along a field guide to plants and trees and discover the names of at least five new plants or trees each week. Don’t forget wildflowers! It’s best not to pick or disturb anything, unless you have express permission to do so. Draw illustrations in your book. Notice how some plants change from week to week. Are old flowers fading, are the leaves changing color or falling off? Is there new growth? Are buds forming or flowers opening? Are new shoots coming up from the earth? Are berries forming on trees?
d. Describe different rocks you find. Record plenty of information, so you can use rock and mineral picture reference books to determine what kinds of rocks you have seen. Do not collect rocks to bring home unless you have permission.
e. Describe the sounds you hear. Listen very carefully for the sounds of insects and birds. Can you identify any of them?
f. Describe the odors in your study area. Be alert for animal odors, the smell of the soil after a rain, or the perfume of plants. Rub the leaves of different plants and smell their oil. Do some plants have strong smells, and others none?
g. Look for and describe evidence of soil erosion. Are there bare patches where no plants grow? Are there piles of rocks that have been swept aside by rushing water? What else do you see?

ANSWER: We got sick, and will pick this up now.

2. At the end of the four weeks, send your journal to your teacher. It would be lovely to include a variety of pictures of plants, animals, and rocks found in your biome.

Environmental Science 5
Lesson 10
FOREST BIOMES
Broadleaf forest biome (a.k.a. temperate forest)
1. List at least eight animals that live in the broadleaf forest biome. Draw a picture of one or more of them.
Crested Porcupine
Cinnamon Black Bear
Raccoon
Fallow Deer
Moose
Sheep Tick
Common Black Rat

2. List at least eight plants that live in the broadleaf forest biome. Draw a picture of one or more of them.
Meadow Oak
Gingko
Maple
Apple tree
Japanese Elm
Marigold
Watermint
Catmint
THE EVERGREEN FOREST BIOME

3. How many different types of evergreen trees are there in your ecosystem? How are their cones similar or different from each other? If there are no evergreen trees in your area, go to the library and read about them. List and describe at least two types. Draw them to show how they compare in appearance.
4. Visit your study area this week and record your observations in your journal.
Environmental Science 5
Lesson 10
THE DESERT BIOME
1. Go to the library and find a book about deserts. List and describe at least five plants and five animals found in the desert biome. Draw pictures of several of them.
Plants:
Saguaro Cactus A large cactus, more like the ones we see in our heads. It looks like a prickly, green tree with no branchess or leaves.
Prickly-Pear Cactus A short catus that prefers the scrub biome more than desert, and looks like giant, thick, spiked, and green bannana chips lodged in the soil.
Golden Barrel Cactus Looks exactly as it sounds, a big ball of spikes and plant matter.
Joshua Tree Only found in Arizona. Large desert trees, with strang, purple (?) leaves. (Don't blame me if i'm wrong about the color of the leaves, i'm colorblind)
Desert Grass Short, heat loving grass, much like a crossbreed between beach gress and weeds.



Animals:
Bactrian Camel A two-humped camel
Gemsbok A desert ungulate with two very large horns.
Fennec Fox A very cute fox with the largest ear-to-body ratio of any canid. Likes to burrow.
Sidewinder snake A rattlesnake that slides on its side to keep off the hot desert sand.
Californian Roadrunner A small, fast bird that dosen't like to fly much.

2. Continue with your Biome Observation this week. Visit your special place at least once.