Symbiosis Problem Based Learning (PBL) assignment

The interactions in the world around us are immense! Up until this point we have looked into some of the various relationships and interactions that take place in varying environments such as competition and predation. Recently we have learned about symbiotic relationships and examples of diverse symbiotic interactions. Now it is time to take this knowledge one step further and really see how these interactions are crucial in every day life. You will be put into groups of 5 and will pretend you are environmental researchers. Each group of environmental researchers will be given a different scenario involving a form of symbiotic interaction as well as a threat to some aspect of the environment. As a team of researchers, you will: Analyze the situation; Allocate which form of symbiotic interaction is at play; Identify the consequences of the problem; Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem you are faced with.

This is your time to be creative! Your solution must be realistic and environmentally friendly! Background research will be critical to creating a feasible solution. Once you have your brainstorming complete it will be a good idea to allocate tasks to your group members. Upon completion of research and developing an idea for a solution, your group will come up with a proposal to present to the class. The class will be the executive board of an environmental company that will be in charge of granting or dismissing your proposal. The way in which you chose to propose your solution is up to you. Some suggestions include: -Power Point -Prezi - Ed Canvas - Smart Board -Chart Paper -Large graphs Research date schedule in lab: Update check (show teacher what you have done up until now/what team members are in charge of): Due Date:

Example Scenario: Group1: What was once a beautiful coral reef, home to some of the most diverse oceanic ecosystems in Australia is now white and dull. Coral bleaching is occurring more and more destroying ecosystems of great coral reefs around the whole world.

Evaluation Rubric: PBL proposal presentation

Category Content and addressing problem Knowledge/Underst anding /40 1 Shows little understanding of the topic. Does not address which symbiotic relationship takes place. Underlying problem surrounding their case not clear/present. 2 Shows some understanding of the topic. Mildly addresses which symbiotic relationship takes place. Underlying problem surrounding their case is not very clear. The presentation is somewhat organized and uses some graphics. Answers some of the questions outlined in instructions with limited relevant evidence. 3 Shows good understanding of the topic and addresses which symbiotic relationship takes place. Underlying problem surrounding their case is shown adequately. The presentation is attractive, well organized and uses some good graphics. Answers all questions outlined in instructions with some well-chosen, relevant evidence. 4 Shows full understanding of the topic and addresses which symbiotic relationship takes place as well as the underlying problem surrounding their case. The presentation is very attractive, well organized and uses good graphics. Answers all questions outlined in instructions with highly effective and relevant evidence. 4+ Shows extensive understanding of the topic and addresses which symbiotic relationship takes place as well as the underlying problem surrounding their case. The presentation is exceptionally attractive, well organized and uses great graphics.

Attractiveness and Organization Communication /25

The presentation is not clear, organized and does not use graphics to support points.

Research

Thinking/Inquiry /40

Does not answer questions outlined in the instructions, unsupported by evidence.

Creativity

Application

/20

Unclear clear presentation. Shows very little creativity with proposal. Does not address environmental concerns.

Somewhat clear presentation. Shows moderate creativity with proposal. The content and ideas are presented in an interesting way; does not addresses environmental concerns.

Answers all questions outlined; evidence used exceeds classroom expectations and reflects wider research. Provides a clear Provides a clear Provides a presentation. and insightful highly Shows presentation. sophisticated creativity and Shows great presentation. inventiveness creativity and Shows with proposal. inventiveness incredible The content with proposal. creativity and and ideas are The content inventiveness presented in an and ideas are with proposal. interesting way, presented in a The content and which unique and ideas are addresses interesting way, presented in a environmental which unique and concerns. addresses interesting way, environmental which addresses concerns. environmental concerns.