Biology: The Dynamics of Life, California Edition

Unit 7: Plants

WebQuest Projects

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LANDSCAPING FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

Landscaping a yard or other piece of property requires pre-planning. For example, you wouldn’t want to plant a tree that requires a lot of water in an arid or dry environment. Likewise, you don’t want to plant a tree or other vegetation that needs minimal amounts water in an environment that receives a lot of rain. How do you know what types of plants to choose? What types of plants grow in the major biomes of the world?

Top

Task

In this WebQuest, you will be in charge of landscaping a new neighborhood in the climate where you live. Your plan will include types of trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that will be planted along with their requirements for survival. Before you write your plan, you will need to conduct research on which types of plants grow best in the climate where you live.

Top

Time

Two class periods to research, answer questions, and create plan

Top

Process

Begin your research by visiting the web sites listed under Resources below. While you are gathering information about plants, record the answers to these questions:

  1. What are the major land biomes of the world?
  2. Which biome do you live in?
  3. How are desert plants different from the plants found in tropical rain forests?
  4. What is xeriscaping?
  5. How are annuals and perennials different?

Once you have completed your research, create a landscaping plan for a new neighborhood in the climate where you live. Be sure to include a variety of plants including those that provide food and shelter for other organisms in the environment. You should have at least ten different plants in your plan. Include a table with the following columns: Type of Plant, Flowering or Non-flowering, Growing Requirements (include soil, water, sunlight, and temperature requirements).

Top

Resources

Use these Web links to find the information you need to complete this WebQuest.

Top

Evaluation
Click Here
for Rubric

Review the rubric to understand how you will be evaluated in this WebQuest.

Top

Conclusion

In the process of completing this WebQuest, you have become familiar with the types of plants found in your climate. You have read information and answered a set of questions dealing with North American biomes and the plants found in each. You also created a plan that detailed the types of plants that could be used to landscape a new neighborhood in the climate where you live. By completing this WebQuest, you have shown that you can apply research skills to develop a plan.

Top

 

Glencoe Online Learning CenterScience HomeProduct InfoSite MapContact Us

The McGraw-Hill CompaniesGlencoe