1. Dear Aquarium Architects, We are opening a new aquarium at St. Thomas Regional School. We plan to have a variety of animals for elementary students to visit. Your job is to design a habitat for one of the animals, describe the biotic and abiotic elements of the habitat, describe the flow of energy, and describe the importance of the carbon dioxide- oxygen cycle to the survival of the animals. The animals that need a habitat designed are: 6 penguins 6 stingrays 6 eels 6 sea lions 2 sea turtles We look forward to seeing your habitat designs. Sincerely, St. Thomas Aquarium Committee St. Thomas Aquarium

2. 1.Make sure you follow the rubric for the maximum possible score. 2.Research your animal carefully. All research, typing, and printing must be done at home. Bring your materials to class to work on the project with your group. 3.Each group needs one poster board big enough to fit all of your information. You may bring in any materials you wish to design your project. I will provide construction paper if you need it. 4.Each student is responsible for a section; however you can help each other when needed. All group members’ names and “jobs” must be on your poster. 5.All pages must be neatly glued to your poster. 6.All handwriting must be neat. 7.Use a ruler when drawing straight lines. 8.Do not use too much marker. It is often hard to read and looks messy. 9.Make sure your explanations for each section are detailed and provide pictures. 10.Work together with your group to effectively complete the project. ***You will choose one animal from the letter from the St. Thomas Aquarium Committee (we will pick out of a hat). Project Tips

3. Habitat Rubric Expectations05101620 Habitat DesignNot Completed The habitat design is too sloppy to understand or is incomplete. The habitat design is complete. It may be missing labels or color. The habitat design is neatly completed with all aspects of the habitat labeled and nicely colored. It includes at least 2 abiotic and 2 biotic elements. ***pgs. B6-B7 The habitat design is neatly completed with all aspects of the habitat labeled and nicely colored. It includes at least 2 abiotic and 2 biotic elements. A written description of your habitat is included. Abiotic and Biotic Elements Not Completed No abiotic or biotic elements are listed. Some abiotic and biotic elements may be incorrect. At least 2 abiotic and 2 biotic elements are neatly displayed in a T-Chart. ***pgs. B18-B19 At least 3 abiotic and 3 biotic elements are neatly displayed in a T- Chart. ***pgs. B20-B21 Flow of EnergyNot completed A simple food chain is included. A simple food chain is included. A sentence that describes the food chain is included. A detailed food chain including the source of energy, producers, and consumers is included and labeled. There is a paragraph that describes the food chain. A detailed food web including producers and consumers is included and labeled. There is a paragraph that describes the food web. Carbon Dioxide – Oxygen Cycle Not completed An incomplete diagram is drawn. A diagram displaying the carbon dioxide- oxygen cycle between the organisms is drawn. A diagram displaying the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle between the organisms in the habitat is drawn and labeled. ***pgs. B36-B37 A diagram displaying the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle between the organisms in the habitat is drawn and labeled. A short paragraph explains how organisms depend on each other. Group WorkStudents did not attempt to complete the assignment. The assignment was not complete or students had significant problems working together. The assignment was turned in on time and complete. The group may have required teacher intervention to resolve problems. The assignment was turned in on time and complete. The group worked well together. The assignment was turned in on time and complete. The group did an EXCELLENT job working together and sharing responsibilities.