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Pauly and the author take a break before hitting the links.	krzbarz@hotmail.com

Welcome to Pauly's Australian iAdventure! This iAdventure is designed to be used in science with 4th, 5th, or 6th grade students. Through this iAdventure, students will learn about three biomes found in Australia: Tropical Rainforest, Coral Reef, and Grassland (also known as Savanna). Their first activity will be a "Scavenger Hunt" through each biome, I suggest they work with a partner, so it will go quicker. When they've completed the hunt, the second activity is for each student to choose one biome and study two animals that live there. Each student should do the Venn diagram. After the Venn diagram has been checked, they will use the "Land Down Under" notesheet to collect more information about the biome and two animals. Finally, they will create a diorama or mobile to present what they've learned to the class. I've included a "Bonus Animal" for students who want to do another or extra credit (your choice).

Pacing / Timeline

This iAdventure should take about two weeks depending on computer lab availability and student ability. Research will require three or four 45 minute blocks in the lab. Final project completion should take four to six 45 minute blocks in the classroom. The final project can be done in class or assigned as homework once students have collected data. Materials for project can be supplied by teacher or student. Here is a suggested timeline.

Session 1 (lab): 45 minutes - biome "Scavenger Hunt" and begin Venn Diagram

Session 2 (lab): 45" - complete Venn Diagram and begin "Land Down Under" research

Sessions 3 & 4 (lab): 45" each session - complete research

Sessions 5, 6, 7, & 8 (classroom or home): 45" each session - construct diorama or mobile

Materials / Assessment

I suggest that you download and copy the materials below for students before taking them to the computer lab. A review of notetaking and Venn diagrams before starting would be a good idea.I also recommend stapling sheets together, so they won't be misplaced. If they make a diorama they'll need a shoe box. For a mobile they'll need a coat hanger. When scoring projects I consider three things: research, final project, and presentation. If students want to explore topics further, they can earn extra credit by finding additional good websites.

Site Map

This site map will let you to explore iAdventure before getting class started.