Biomes:  The Taiga

A WebQuest for 5th Grade Science

Designed by

Jeanette Price
Beech Springs Intermediate School

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits



















Introduction

Our earth has six major land biomes.  One of the most fascinating biomes is the taiga.  You are going to visit several websites to learn more about the taiga and the plants and animals that live there.

In this WebQuest you will see what physical conditions are found in the taiga and how those conditions determine which plants and animals are able to survive in the taiga.
 
 


The Task

You are going to complete a chart and write a paper that answers these questions about the taiga.

  • Where is the taiga located?
  • How cold is the taiga in the winter?
  • How warm does the taiga get in the summer?
  • How much precipitation does the taiga receive?
  • What plants grow in the taiga?
  • What animals live in the taiga?
  • How do these plants and animals survive in such a cold biome?


The Process
 

  You will go to some websites that will give general information about the taiga. 

1.  Print a copy of the worksheet on the taiga.
        (Click here to go to the worksheet.  Then use the file menu to print a copy of the worksheet to use.)
2.  Go to the websites listed below to find information to fill out the worksheet.
3.  Use the information on the worksheet to write an introductory paragraph on the taiga.
 
 
   You will complete a chart on the animals that live in the taiga.
 
   
1. Print a copy of the chart for animals of the taiga.
    (Click here to go to the chart.  Then use the File menu to print a copy of the chart.  Print more than one copy of the chart if you plan on researching more than three animals.)
2. Choose the animals that you want to research from the chart below.  Add those animals to your chart. 
 
arctic fox arctic hare badger bald eagle
Bighorn Mountain Sheep black bear caribou Dall sheep
grey wolf grizzly bear lemming marmot
moose musk ox ptarmigan puffin
snowshoe rabbit snowy owl wolverine
  • 3. Go to the websites listed below and find the information that you need to complete  your chart.  (You may not find every piece of information on every animal.  You may have some empty spaces on your chart.  Just fill in as much information as you can find on each animal.)
    • 4. Use your chart to write a paragraph about at least one animal.  Be sure to explain how that animal can survive in the taiga.
     
     
     

      You will complete a chart about the plants that are found in the taiga.

    1.  Print the chart about plants in the taiga.
        (Click here to go to the chart.  Then use the file menu to print a copy to use.)
    2.  Go to the following website to find information to complete the chart.


    3.  Use your chart to write at least two (or more) paragraphs about plants in the taiga.  Be sure to explain how evergreen plants are adapted to stay alive in such a cold environment.  Also tell how broadleaf plants are adapted to survive in the taiga.


    Evaluation

    Part: WORKSHEET and PARAGRAPHS on the taiga

    • The worksheet will be graded according to the number of correct answers that are on it.
    • The paragraphs should be well written.  There should be a logical order to the sentences.  The information should be complete and easily understood. 
    Part : CHART and PARAGRAPH about animals
    • The chart should have accurate information about each animal.
    • An attempt must be made to complete each section of the chart.
    • Adaptations that make it possible for the animal to survive in its environment must be included.
    • The paragraph must be well written.
    • The sentences should be in a logical order.
    • Adaptations to the environment must be included.
    Part : CHART and PARAGRAPH about plants
    • The chart must have accurate information about each plant.
    • The adaptations that enable evergreen trees to survive in the taiga  must include several facts about:
    1.  how the shape of the tree helps during snowstorms 2.  how the needles help the trees survive the extremely cold winters 3.  how the branches help during heavy snows
    • The adaptations that enable the broad leaf trees to survive in the taiga should include information about the leaves.


    Conclusion

    After completing the assignments in this WebQuest you should better understand how some plants and animals are able to live in extremely cold weather.  You should also better understand why some plants and animals could not survive in the taiga.


    Credits

    Graphics Courtesy of
    Absolute Web Graphics Archive    www.grsites.com/webgraphics
    Animated Gif Archive   www.talstar.com/cat/graphics
    IconBAZAAR    www.iconbazaar.com

    Last updated on August 15, 1999. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page