Use the Family Dilemma - Whole Hog classroom simulation exercise to engage students in a debate on hog farm issues. Using selected web resources, students investigate the hog industry and related issues from the perspective of various stakeholders. During a follow-up discussion, students express their own opinions on what the family should do. Have students use the Bits of Biomes activity to investigate characteristics of different biomes. In this activity, students explore climatic differences, populations, and ecosystems in terrestrial biomes.
Students collect climatic data on selected cities within each biome.
They use spreadsheets to explore their patterns in their climatic data. Climatic data in different biomes are compared. Student groups research characteristics of their biome. Have students use Phenomenal Weather Explorations to guide their inquiry into unique weather phenomena such hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, and the greenhouse effect. Have students develop their own driving question to investigate a water quality parameter in their watershed area.