Rubrics+for+Ecological+Performance+Task


 * Rubric / Checklist for Species Page **
 * Section 1 of Ecology Performance Project **

Information Content of Poster ** each item worth 4 points 24 points total ** ___ Clearly labeled with both scientific and common names for organism ___ one page poster, **original** diagram of the life cycle (developmental changes from seed to mature, reproducing plant) of the assigned species. ___ Shows and labels seed, seedling, adult plant, leaves, flowers ___ Represents the characteristic shape or features of each stage of cycle, leaves, flowers ___ Shows and labels the method of pollination. ___ Identifies and labels all resource needs at each stage of the cycle (Soil type, soil nutrients, climate, carbon dioxide, oxygen, water, fire, other organisms, etc.)

Visual Presentation __ Background allows information to be clearly seen. __ Title with both common and scientific names of the species at top or center in larges type. __ Student illustrator(s) names, period number are clearly written on the back. __ The diagram is original in design. __ Sketches/pictures are clearly labeled by students. __ Arrows show the order of the changes. __ Poster is easy to understand.

**Section 2 of Ecology Performance Project: Biotic Community Poster**
Information Content of Poster **each item worth 4 points 24 points total** ___ Clearly labeled with location and common description of plant community/ Size must be at least 24” X 36” ___ one page poster, **original** diagram of the food web relationships of at least 10 significant organisms in the location you are restoring ___ identify each species by common and scientific names ___ each species represented by a picture or sketch of the important physical features of that species, such that it can be distinguished from other similar organisms. ___ identify each species as autotroph, heterotroph, detritivore, or decomposer. ___ identify each species as producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary consumer, etc. ___ identify organisms that compete with your species for resources and what those resources are. ___ Paragraph that describes the **niche** of your species which includes: resources it uses, resources it provides, major interactions with other organisms, interactions with abiotic features, indirect importance to the biotic community.

Visual Presentation __ Background allows information to be clearly seen. __ Title at top or center in larges type. __ Student names, period number are clearly written on the back. __ The entire diagram is original in design. __ All descriptions are in your own words. __ Sketches/pictures are clearly labeled by students. __ Sketches/pictures and text are in dark ink or in contrast to the background so they can be seen clearly from six feet away. __ **Lines** show the relationships __ **Arrows on the lines show energy relationships** with the direction of the arrow showing the direction of flow of energy. __ Poster is easy to understand.

**Checklist/Grading Rubric**

 * Section 3 of Ecology Performance Project: **
 * Physical Features of Ecosystem Environment **

Information Content of Poster **each item worth 4 points Total 40** ___ Clearly labeled with location and common description of plant community/ Size must be at least 24” X 36” ___ one page poster, **original** CUT-AWAY DIAGRAM of physical features of your ecosystem ___ identify by labeled name each abiotic component in the location it can be found at your restoration site ___ include soil and important geologic features (rivers, drainage, bluffs, mountains, valleys, etc.) ___ describe the climate features of the ecosystem on the diagram; include any variation within the ecosystem. CHOOSE ANY TWO OF THE FOLLOWING THREE CYCLES TO REPRESENT
 * Shows major features of the Carbon Cycle [worth 10 points]
 * Photosynthesis, atmospheric CO2, organic carbon compounds of living things, respiration, food web transfer, soil organic compounds, decomposition, burning of fossil fuels-industrial/automotive output.
 * Shows major features of the Nitrogen Cycle [worth 10 points]
 * Atmospheric nitrogen (N2), Nitrogen fixation, soil/aquatic nitrates(NO3-), soil/aquatic nitrites, soil/aquatic ammonia-ammonium (NH4+), nitrification, decomposition, food web, animal excretion, denitrification.
 * Shows major features of Water Cycle [worth 10 points]
 * Precipitation, runoff, Infiltration, groundwater flow, ground water storage, stream flow, evaporation, transpiration, water-vapor in atmosphere, water storage in river and ocean, soil water, Water in living things.

Visual Presentation **each item worth 4 points Total 36** ___ Background allows information to be clearly seen. ___ Title at top, center in large type. ___ Student names, period number are clearly written on the back. ___ The entire diagram is original in design AND matches the actual features of the specific habitat location. ___ All descriptions are in your own words. ___ Sketches/pictures are clearly labeled by students. ___ Sketches/pictures and text are in dark ink or in contrast to the background so they can be seen clearly from six feet away. ___ **Labeled arrows** show dynamic processes that move abiotic resources through the ecosystem. ___ Poster is easy to understand.

Checklist and Rubric for Ecological Restoration Performance Task __ one to two page, typed, 12 point font, original report __ Title at top, left identifies ecosystems being compared; Names of group members, date, period __ spelling, grammar, punctuation is correct __ each paragraph includes a clear topic sentence __ each additional sentence of each paragraph supports and expands on the idea of the topic sentence __ supporting sentences of a paragraph follow a logical sequence
 * Section 4: Comparison with another Restored Ecosystem **
 * Format **

__ total of five (5) or more similarities described accurately based on the articles read in class __ total of three (3) or more differences described accurately based on the articles read in class __ all comparisons demonstrate an understanding of the ecological principles we have studied (Cycles of Matter, Flow of Energy, Population Growth, Limiting Factors, Carrying Capacity, Photosynthesis, Soil Resources, Predator-Prey interactions, etc.) __ similarities and differences mentioned are significant to how these ecosystems function __ identifies and describes two (2) or more significant challenges facing the restoration of the ecosystem that is being restored elsewhere (political, economic, resource, etc.). __ identifies and describes clearly how these challenges may be similar or different from your assigned restoration location. __ sources listed at the bottom of your paper using MLA format.
 * Content ** - Compare the assigned ecosystem (Ballona, King Gillette, LA River) with an already existing restoration project at a similar ecosystem (Yellowstone, Aral Sea, Everglades)

Checklist and Rubric

** Section 5. Human Impact **
__ one page, typed, 12 point font, original report __ Title at top, left identifies Local ecosystem impacted; Names of group members, date, period __ spelling, grammar, punctuation is correct __ each paragraph includes a clear topic sentence __ each additional sentence of each paragraph supports and expands on the idea of the topic sentence __ supporting sentences of a paragraph follow a logical sequence
 * Format **

___ History of human impact is clearly described; includes several important features; when they occurred; who carried out the change. ___ clear prediction of future impact is made. ___ reasons are given for why this predicted impact is likely to occur. ___ All reasoning must be consistent with an understanding of the ecological principles that we have studied (Cycles of Matter, Flow of Energy, Population Growth, Limiting Factors, Carrying Capacity, Photosynthesis, Soil Resources, Predator-Prey interactions, etc.). ___ Describe at least four ecosystem services this ecosystem can or does provide to people. Give reasons and cite specific sources why you think these predictions are realistic. ___ sources listed at the bottom of your paper using MLA format.
 * Content **