Vocabulary Digital Story

Unit: Ecosystems: Everglades 

This Vocabulary Digital Story was created to help you learn the important vocabulary of the Everglades. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify which vocabulary word belongs to which definition.

After you've completed your Anticipation Guide, watch this video:

URL for digital story on YouTube: http://youtu.be/_Ozx0ua1ng0

Vocabulary Words: 
Aquifer
Abiotic Factors
Biotic Factors
Hammocks
Mangrove Forests
Marsh
Pine Forests
Swamps
Wetlands

Morphemic Analysis Chart:

Morpheme (definition of morpheme)	Science Usage	General Usage
aqu- (water)	aquamarine	aqua
	aquifer	aquarium
	aquatic	aqueduct
bio (life)	(a)biotic	antibiotics
	biology	biodiesel
	bionic	biography
tic (of)	aquatic	articulate
	biotic	optics

Model: 
          For the model we will be using the Vocabulary Digital Story above.  Through its presentation you will determine the meaning of the new vocabulary words.   Some of these words have important "clue" morphemes, as you can see above:

          One example is biotic and abotic, both containing “bio,” a root-word meaning “life.” The presence of the letter “A” in abiotic serves and a prefix, indicating the opposite of the root word “bio.” The absence of a prefix on the root word “bio” indicates the root in its purest form. The addition of the suffix –tic to the words means “having to do with” or “the nature of”.

          For the other vocabulary words, images will be presented as clear examples of the types and parts of the various ecosystems within the Everglades.

Guided Practice:

• Whole Group Discussion and Graphic Organizer:Can you think of similarities and differences in ecosystems?
• Pair and Share: With a partner, discuss various types of ecosystems that you have either experienced or learned about. 
• Ask yourself: What impacts have humans made on ecosystems?

Independent Practice: Next, we will you will need to complete the vocabulary word graphic organizer for each vocabulary word.

Assessment:

         To check your understanding, complete eight Fill-in-the-Blanks:
 

        1: __________ factors affect the __________ factors living in an ecosystem.

        2: Beneath the Everglades is fresh water located in underground __________.

        3: The Everglades is made up of __________, which is a large area where the soil is completely soaked    with water, either year-round or seasonally.

        4: Because of their high elevation, __________ need soil that can drain relatively quickly.

        5: In between marshes and higher lands are __________ , which must be able to handle extremely high and low levels of water to survive.

        6: Island-like “domes” where many trees and plants grow are called __________ .

        7: Most of the Everglades is made up of __________, which are the reason why the Everglades is called “The River of Grass.”

        8: __________ thrive on coastal areas where fresh and saltwater mix.