In this activity, students are asked to complete the work of Professor Small. He was working on collecting pictures, maps and data on panther habitat. He had identified six different natural areas used by panthers and assembled the data for each type in a separate file cabinet drawer, when he met with an accident. There are six file cabinet drawers for students to investigate. For each area, students try to determine the natural community type by looking at all of the items in the drawer and keeping track of the data on a data sheet. They may consult with three colleagues to get more information. Students then complete a final report to Ms. Puma, detailing their findings. Once a students submit a report, they receive a letter of recommendation. How to Play
Each drawer contains pictures, maps, data, contacts, and handbook help. The students' role is to use the materials in the file cabinet drawers to determine the natural community type. Students move around in the drawer by clicking on individual file folders and keeping track of their data on a data sheet. Along the way, students can get advice from their colleagues or consult with the handbook. When students think they have enough information to properly classify the natural communities, they can print out a final report and submit it, or complete an online report. Then, students can receive a letter of recommendation from Ms. Puma. Students can look at one drawer, two, or all six. Students can end the activity at any time by closing the window. Vocabulary
Climax community Germinate
Habitat
Inventory
| Peat
Prescribed burning Succession |
Sunshine State Standards
Social Studies (6-8) Geography Standard 1: The student understands the world in spatial terms Science (6-8) How Living Things Interact with their environment Standard 1: The student understands the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment The Nature of Science Standard 1: The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems
Mathematics (6-8) Data Analysis and Probability Standard 1: The student understands and uses the tools of data analysis for managing information
Language Arts (6-8) Reading Standard 1: The student uses the reading process effectively Standard 2: The student constructs meaning from a wide range of texts Writing Standard 2: The student writes to communicate ideas and information effectively Listening, Viewing, and Speaking Standard 1: The student uses listening strategies effectively
Annotated References Brown, Larry W. 1997. Mammals of Florida. Miami: Windward Publishing. Describes life history, habitat, behavior, appearance, and threats to Florida's mammals. Includes photographs of mammals as well as photographs and descriptions of Florida's natural communities.
Cox, James, Randy Kautz, Maureen MacLaughlin, and Terry Gilbert. 1994. Closing the Gaps in Florida's Wildlife Habitat Conservation System. Tallahassee, FL: Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Gives maps and descriptions of plants and animals sharing the panther's habitat. Too technical for elementary students, but good reference for teachers.
Fernald Edward A., and Elizabeth Purdum. 1997. Atlas of Florida. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. General reference on all aspects of Florida; includes photos and short descriptions on Florida ecosystems as well as information on geology, climate, and soils.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Very detailed description 66 natural communities in Florida. Florida Panther Interagency Committee. 1993. Florida Panther Habitat Preservation Plan. Identifies occupied and potential panther habitat, threats to these habitats, and management options. Nelson, Gil. 1994. The Trees of Florida. Sarasota: Pineapple Press. Excellent reference to the trees of Florida: includes photographs, and line drawings by Marvin Cook.
Jordan, Dennis B. 1994. Proceedings of the Florida Panther Conference. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Most up-to-date compilation of articles on the panther, its habitat, and management. Many of the articles are probably too technical for students, but it is still a valuable resource for teachers and advanced students.
Kale, Herbert W., II, and David Maehr. 1990. Florida's Birds: A Handbook and Reference. Sarasota: Pineapple Press. Excellent reference to Florida's birds; includes color photographs as well as descriptions of appearance, behavior, habitat, and threats.
Maehr, David. 1997. The Florida Panther: Life and Death of a Vanishing Carnivore. Washington D. C.: Island Press. Detailed account of the Florida panther and efforts to save it from extinction by biologist who served as project leader for the Florida Panther Study for none years. Myers, Ronald L., eds. 1990. Ecosystems of Florida. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. Most complete description of ecosystems of Florida; contains maps and photographs as well as detailed text describing processes, plants, and animals. Ripple, Jeff. 1996. Big Cypress Swamp and the Ten Thousand Islands. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. Well-written description of the little-known area of Florida; contains dramatic black and white photographs by Clyde Butcher. The Watercourse. 1996. Discover a Watershed: The Everglades. Bozeman, Mt: Montana State University. Excellent reference on the Everglades for middle school students and teachers.
Extensions
- Click on Coryi Cinema and have students watch video on panthers and their habitat, such as Private Lands and Panther Survival, or Florida Crossroads
- Take students outside on school grounds and have them make a list of all of the plants and animals they know. See which of the natural communities your school grounds are most similar to
- Invite the county forester and take a nature walk around to school to learn more about the plants you see.
Key For Data Drawer Area 1: Hardwood Hammock
Area 2: Pineland
Area 3: Cypress Swamp
Area 4: Hardwood Swamp
Area 5: Prairie
Area 6: Freshwater Marsh
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