Middle School

TIPS FOR COMPLETING YOUR BIOME JOURNAL

• You can use information from either the Biomes 1 or Biomes 2 lesson. 
• Once you have explored all locations, select two (2) biomes that interest you the most. You may want to revisit the virtual field trips for these particular biomes as you fill out your biome journal.
• Create biome journal for your two favorite biomes.
  • Description (2-3 sentences) of what you “experienced” while virtually visiting the biome. Note which virtual experience was most interesting.
  • Record the biome’s climate.
  • Record two types of plants and/or animals found in that particular biome and any relevant information  on those species.
    
  • Record an unusual piece of information on the biome that may (or may not) attract other (virtual) visitors. 
    
  • Write a postcard to someone you love and share a picture and information about why they should (virtually) visit this biome too. Make sure to include the URL so that they may visit your favorite biome experience.

TIPS FOR USING THE APP

• You can use BiomeViewer online or download an iPad version from the App Store.
• Click and hold the globe to spin it and explore different parts of the world.
• Click and release a spot on the globe to drop a pin there to see a summary of the characteristics of the biome for that location.
• You can also search for locations by name, latitude/longitude, or zip code.
• In the biome summary panel, click on “More” to see a longer description, photos, a larger climate graph, and wildlife data.
• Click on “Compare” to view details on two biomes side by side.
• On the biomes legend, use the arrows at the top to see different layers including anthromes, temperature, precipitation, and terrain.
• Click the gear icon to toggle gridlines and political boundaries on and off.
• Click on the globe icon to switch between a spherical view and a flat projection of Earth.