Create-A-Habitat

Anna Zuccarini

Peg Vandeleur

 

Indian Prairie District 204

Crone Middle School

Hill Middle School

Naperville, Illinois

 

 
INTRODUCTION
 
Remember when you won your first goldfish at the fair? You have probably all gone through several goldfish bowls in your lives. What happened to that bowl that was left behind after the last fish died? Does it have to be filled with water? Does it have to contain fish? What are your options? There is an empty 10 gallon tank in our classroom that needs to be filled! What can we fill it with that we can afford, and that we will be able to maintain?
 
 
TASK
 
You will need to choose a habitat, and describe what needs are specific to that habitat. Within your group, you will assume one of the following roles:
  • Plant Biologist...you will determine which plants are best suited for your environment. What role do they play in the habitat? Your need to be sure to communicate with the animal biologist to insure that the plants are compatible with the animals. You will be responsible for sharing this information with your group and the class.
  • Animal Biologist...you will determine which animals are best suited for your environment. What role do they play? Are they compatible with other animals and plants in the environment? Be sure to check with the plant biologist! You will be responsible for sharing information with the class.
  • Purchasing Agent...you will need to find a supplier for the equipment that will be needed to create your habit. Check with the plant and animal biologists to find out your needs. Cooperate with the accountant to figure out cost!
  • Accountant...you are the mathematician of the group! You will need to cooperate with everyone to figure out the quantity and cost of things to be ordered. You will also be responsible for presenting equipment and maintenance requirements to the class.

    • Each of you will be responsible for completing information sheets for your specific role. After you have completed your individual sheets, your group will present your habitat to the class. The class will evaluate each habitat. After all groups have presented, the class will vote on the habitat to be created!

    PROCESS

    1. As a class, you will brainstorm solutions to the problem of what to put in the vacant container.
    2. In groups of 4, you will select one of the following habitats: tropical aquarium, cold water aquarium, woodland vivarium, or desert vivarium.
    3. Within your groups, you will choose one of the following roles: Plant Biologist, Animal Biologist, Purchasing Agent, or Accountant.
    4. You will research your role using traditional and online sources.
    5. You will share your information with your group members and reach decisions as to what you want your habitat to contain. Your input and cooperation with your group will be evaluated.
    6. You will complete, and be evaluated on, an information sheet for your role.
    7. You will prepare a presentation for the class to share your habitat information.
    8. You will complete, and be evaluated on, a data chart for each habitat.
    9. The class will vote on the habitat that will occupy our tank.
    10. Final purchases will be made, and you will create the habitat!

    TIME FRAME

    It should take approximately 6 days to complete this project.

    RESOURCES

    There are many different sources available for you to complete this project. Remember, you can use textbooks, books, magazines, newspapers, flyers, manuals, people... To help you in your search, these links are good sites to get you started.

    WATER HABITATS

    WALTHAM
    The world's leading authority on petcare and nutrition. Check out the glossary.
     
    Noah's Pet Supplies-Aquaria Resources
    Noah's Pet Supplies Fish Catalogue
    A great site to learn the basics of how to set up an aquarium and a great source of aquarium supplies.
     
    Pet Warehouse Main Menu
     
    Fishy Pages
    Site where you can learn all about tropical fish, how to keep them, what fish to get, hints on keeping fish and more.
     
    Tetra Home Page
    Check out this great source of information under hobby, careguide, golden rules, how to build an aquarium, and consult the virtual aquarium!
     
    AquaLink
    A service for those interested in tropical fish and aquatic plant information and catalogue.
     
    Pet Forum Beginner's Information
    Pet Forum Supplies
    Beginner's help and a catalogue for the pet owner.
     
    Fishes of Illinois
    List of native fish.
     
    Aquatic Plant Q & A
    Good background information on aquatic plants.
     

    LAND HABITATS

    Terrariums: Historical Perspective and Modern Day
    Terrarium Projects-Woodland/Tropical Plants
    Planting Your Terrarium
    Great information on terrariums.
     
    House Plants: Terrariums
    Good background knowledge!
     
    Black Jungle Terrarium Supply
    Provides everything you need to know about terrariums.
     
    Live Cactus Plants
    A cactus supplier.
     
    Gardenworld
    A catalogue of collectible cacti and succulents.
     
    Care of Cactus
     
    Vivaria Instructions
    Vivaria Projects
    Vivarium plants, animals, supplies and instructions.
     
    Reptile Mall
    For your vivarium shopping needs.
     
    Picking A Tank

    PRODUCT

    Your group will prepare a presentation for the class to share your habitat information. Your presentation should be complete and accurate. You are trying to sell your product to the class! Be creative and informative; it should be a kind of "infomercial", and last 5-10 minutes. Presentation should include:

    ASSESSMENT

    You will be assessed both as an individual and part of a group. Your assessments are:

    CONCLUSION

    As a class, we will choose our habitat! After completing this WebQuest, you should be able to effectively establish and maintain an aquarium or vivarium! You should be able to transfer this knowledge to any pet or hobby!