McGraw-Hill Science 2005

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Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Science Grade 3
Grade 3
e-Journal

Ecosystems

Step 1. Questions

All the living and nonliving things in one place make up an ecosystem. Earth has many different ecosystems. Some are dry, others are wet. Some are hot, others are cool, and still others are very cold. All are homes to different plants, animals, and other forms of life.

For this e-Journal, you will report on an ecosystem of your choice. Here are some questions to guide your research about the ecosystem.
  • What is the ecosystem like? Describe its temperature, rainfall, and other features.
  • What kinds of plants and animals live in the ecosystem?
  • Where on Earth are examples of the ecosystem?
  • What can change or damage the ecosystem? How can people protect the ecosystem?
  • What questions do you have about the ecosystem?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the first three Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for the answers to the questions listed above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

You may choose to use search engines to research other Web sites. Or visit the library and look in books, journals, or encyclopedias. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!

Freshwater Ecosystems: What’s it like Where You Live?
Which plants and animals live in a pond or lake? Which live in a river or stream, or in wetlands? Visit this wonderful Web site to find out. Click the type of freshwater ecosystem of your choice.
Take Notes:



Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave (moh-HAH-vee) is a desert in California. Visit this Web site to learn all about its unique ecosystem. Click “For Kids”, or click the link for nature and science.
Take Notes:



Great Barrier Reef
Have you ever seen a coral reef? It is home to many different animals, including corals. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef. Learn all about it at this exciting Web site from National Geographic.
Take Notes:



Additional Sites

E-Nature
Visit this Web site to learn more about plants and animals. Follow any useful link on the home page.
Take Notes:



Go to Step 3 or Save My Notes


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