Restore the Regions

1. Restore the Regions Students will learn about the different ecosystems of Canada while studying physical regions. Students will demonstrate their knowledge by writing a summary of their research, making a model of their assigned region, and presenting their project in front of class. Key Words: Natural Regions, The Cordillera, The Interior Plains, The Canadian Shield, The North, The Appalachian Highlands /The Atlantic/Great Lakes Grade 5 : Science

2. Introduction: • Attention Grade 5 students: The National Museum of Canada needs your help in solving their dilemma! Last week the map of Canada, which displayed the physical regions of Canada, was destroyed by an unexplained fire. This map is very valuable because it shows the different provinces, rivers, lakes, landforms, and ecosystems that are present in each region. The exhibit cannot be displayed if the physical region map is not present. If this map is not replaced soon, that portion of the Museum will have to close down!

3. Task: • To save the exhibit from being taken away, it is your job to take on the role of emergency personnel. In groups that will be assigned by your teacher, you will choose a physical region, write a 1-page summary of your research, make a 3D model of your chosen region, and present this information in front of the class.

4. Task: • Please use the websites given to research your physical region of Canada. You may use other resources from the library; however, it is not necessary.

5. Process: • First, you will be assigned to a group of 3 -4 emergency personnel • Choose the physical region of Canada that your group would like to restore from the following list. There may only be one emergency team per region, and they will be assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. The CordilleraThe Interior Plains The NorthThe Canadian Shield The Appalachian Highlands/The Atlantic/Great Lakes

6. Process: • You will then research your region using the following websites. NOTE: It is possible that not all regions will be on every website. Canada’s Physical Regions Canada Mountain Rivers and Lakes Map Physical Regions of Canada The Canadian Encyclopedia - In the area of search, type in ‘natural regions of Canada’ or the name of the province that you are researching. Then click on the first item found (it will be ‘natural regions’ or the mane of the province that you searched)

7. Process: • Below are some questions that you should keep in mind while researching. These questions should be answered in your written summary as well as shown on your model:  • What are the provinces that make up your physical region? (e.g. Yukon, Saskatchewan, Quebec, etc) • What are the major lakes and rivers found within your region? (e.g. the Great Lakes, Fraser River, Hudson Bay, etc.) • What are the landforms that make-up your region? (e.g. mountains, prairie, plateau, etc.) • What is the climate and average temperature? (Measure and report in Celsius) HINT: Split up the questions among your emergency group members.

8. Process: • Get together with your group members and share the information that you found. • Write a 1-page summary (may be in point form) of the information that you and your group members found on your region. • Include a small map of your region in your summary • Email your teacher a copy of your compiled notes

9. Process: • Ask your teacher for a map of your region. On this map you will design the 3D model of the ecosystems in your physical region. Modeling clay will be provided to create physical features. • Once all the regions have been designed, each piece will be put together, resulting in a complete physical regions map of Canada.

10. Process: • In order for the map to fit together, the modeling clay must match! Colors to use are: • Green = Land • Blue = Rivers and lakes • Red = Roads • Yellow = Land resources • Purple = Important sites • Orange = Cities • Create a way to mark important places, industries, rivers etc. on your maps.

11. Evaluation:

12. Conclusion: • You will develop your knowledge of the regions of Canada by researching ecosystems in your physical region, writing a summary of the information, making a model of your physical region, and presenting what you have learned to the class. This project will hopefully give you a desire to know more about ecosystems in your own country or other countries of the world.

13. Teacher Page: • Focus:This Webquest focuses on the physical regions of Canada, including: provinces and territories, major lakes and rivers, landforms, and industry associated with the region. The objective of this webquest is to help students learn about Canadian environment and ecosystems. The lesson uses websites that give the information needed to accomplish the task asked of the students.

14. Teacher Page: • Objectives/Goals: I would recommend starting this project after you have introduced and started the unit on Canada. This way, the students will have some background knowledge and they should be able to take this project further than without any previous knowledge. • Students will learn about the provinces and territories  • Students will learn what rivers and bodies of water are in their region.  • Students will discover what landforms and ecosystems make up their region.  • Students will also find out an interesting fact/place/event/person associated with their region. • Students will develop their geography skills

15. Teacher Page: • Resources:Access to the internetTechnology Needs/Materials NeededSince students will be working in groups, it is not necessary for each student to have a computer, but each group must have one accessible.