Process
To create our Backyard Wildlife Habitat, students will serve in various roles to research the different elements for our habitat. Students in each group will work together to conduct research on websites, use field guides provided in class, and then together the class will develop the habitat area at our school. To eventually become certified as a wildlife habitat, the garden must provide four elements: food, water, shelter, and places for wildlife to raise their young. Keep this in mind as your teams work.
Background:
The area we have to work within is located at the southeast corner of our building and receives plenty of sunshine daily. It is currently populated by several trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and of course WEEDS!
The class will be divided into the following groups to conduct, but come together to restore the site: Site Experts, Animal Experts, Plant Experts.
To prepare, all students will read and complete the following worksheets/fact sheets. Once complete, we will discuss the information and groups will then be given time to plan and conduct research.
Group 1: Site Experts
The Site Experts group will:
1. Measure the area for the habitat and make decisions about the plants you want to keep, remove, prune or move.The site experts will also research and provide the following information to the class:
2. Conduct a soil ph test, suggest proper soil amendments, water sources, and a composting area for old plant material.
2. Determine the tools you will need to prepare the site and plant selected specimens.
3. Keep detailed journal notes of the group's progress, findings, and recommendations that will be used to create the new habitat.
Use the following websites to conduct your research:
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Deliverable: The Site Expert group will deliver a detailed layout of the habitat area in the format of their choosing, which may be a poster, PowerPoint, or other approved media. The final product must include research findings and recommendations to create the habitat, which the group will present to class. The work must include at least 5-10 pictures that are drawn, downloaded, or photographed by the group in the course of the research.
The Animal Experts group will choose, based on research and observation, 5-8 organisms, to include a balanced birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects to attract and nurture in the habitat. The Animal Experts will research and provide the following information to the class:
1. A list of 5-8 organisms to attract to the wildlife habitat. Start with a large number of choices from each group member, then narrow down the choices to be used. Keep in mind the fact that it will be easier to attract butterflies, birds, amphibians, insects, and perhaps even bats to a small area.
2. Research the food, water, habitat needs, and other requirements for the organisms the group chooses to be sure we have the ability to sustain the ones chosen by the group.
3. Keep detailed journal notes of the group's progress, findings, and recommendations that will be used to create and populate the new habitat.
Use the websites below for your research:
. 
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Create a bird-friendly habitat tipsheet
Attracting butterflies tipsheet
Deliverable: The Animal Expert group will deliver their research and recommendations in the format of their choosing that may be a report, poster, PowerPoint, or other approved media. The final product must include research findings and recommendations for the wildlife chosen for the habitat, which the group will present to the class. The work must include at least 5-10 pictures that are drawn, downloaded, or taken by the group in the course of the research.
Group 3: Plant Experts
The Plant Experts group will conduct research using websites and field guides to determine the appropriate native plants for the habitat, as well as helping the Site Experts group to identify existing plants in the habitat that may need maintenance or removal. The Plant Experts will also work with the Site Experts to determine the soil, sunlight, water, nutrient, and maintenance needs of the habitat. The Plant Experts group will:
1. Research and identify the plants that currently grow in the habitat area. Research and select 5-8 native plants which we can include in the habitat to serve as food, shelter, and pollination sites.
2. Work with the Site Experts and Animal Experts groups to help them coordinate the planning of the new habitat area, at the same time, using any information they provide to your group to help in the selection and placement of new plant specimens.
3. Keep detailed journal notes of the group's progress, findings, and recommendations that will be used to create and beautify the new habitat that will sustain the animals and plants chosen.
Use the following websites for your research:
Creating Backyard Wildlife Garden
Native Plants for natural landscapes
Deliverable: The Plant Expert group will deliver their research and recommendations in the format of their choosing that may be in the form of a report, poster, PowerPoint, or other approved media. The final product must include research findings and recommendations for the plants chosen for the habitat, which the group will present to the class. The work must include at least 5-10 pictures that are drawn, downloaded, or taken by the group in the course of the research.
***Note: I am here to guide and assist you through the webquest. I realize that everyone has different talents and backgrounds, some of you may have working outdoors and some of you may not. This is a class project for everyone to work together, learn, and have fun! Please do not hesitate to ask for help! Good luck!