You need to create a resource for children to use to explore the area where they live. You will be creating an interactive dichotomous key, which children will be able to use to explore their environment. 

As the creator, you will need to go outside and collect pictures of different organisms in your area*. This includes all organisms you can see and photograph. You will need to figure out the scientific name, and the classification of the organism. You may want to record this data into a chart. 

This resource is for children to learn. You should include higher level terminology in your work, but it needs to be fully explained. Your technology is being created for elementary school children who may not know some of the key terms you learned. Think of a way to include the definitions in an interesting way. 

In your interactive dichotomous key, you also need to fully explain what biodiversity is. You should also explain the importance of biodiversity to the current environment and the cultural importance. 

Convincing the public:

1. You need to include a convincing section which connects to the emotions and intelligence of children, making them want to help increase biodiversity.
2. Create an FAQ section, which counters common disagreements with efforts to increase biodiversity.
3. Give children realistic options relating to how they can help increase the biodiversity in a short term and long term way. 

*If you are currently remaining at home/indoors and are wondering how to complete this assignment, you can collect Creative Commons images online of a variety of organisms you know that live in your general area. Of course, be sure to cite the sources of these images.

You will be marked on the following components:

• Thinking and Inquiry – Create a dichotomous key of animals in your environment.
  • The organisms chosen and their attributes are appropriate
  • Students use critical thinking skills to find the scientific name of their organism online.
  • Correctly formatted citations in MLA or APA
•  Communication – Students create their dichotomous key in an orderly format.
  • Student work is written well. Spelling and grammar is used correctly.
  • This project should be simple enough for children to use.
  • Information about the organisms classification, location or other interesting info is provided.
  • You will define your vocabulary as used. (More keywords used correctly is important)
• Application – The traits chosen are correct in terms of correctly describing the group being distinguished.
  • Students explain the concept of biodiversity and its importance generally
  • Students link biodiversity of the areas where they live to conceptions outside of the course
  • Explain the cultural importance of the biodiversity of the area. 
    Students create a convincing component which convinces students of the importance of biodiversity.
  • Students explain concerns commonly spoken about regarding the economy and explain why biodiversity is more important.
  • Students explain the suggestions relating to increase biodiversity in their area