As students learn about the creation of biodomes, they are introduced to the steps of the engineering design process, including guidelines for brainstorming. Students learn how engineers are involved in the design and construction of biodomes and use brainstorming to come up with ideas for possible biodome designs. This lesson is part of a series of six lessons in which students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.

At this site from the Missouri Botanical Garden, you can learn about conifers, needles and the taiga in the fall. Click on the pictures to view a larger version.

Use these resources to study the ecology of the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest and issues surrounding its preservation.

Viktor brought his pet plant on his trip to Nova Zembla. Help him figure out what to do to take care of the plant.

Students learn about population density within environments and ecosystems. They determine the density of a population and think about why population density and distribution information is useful to engineers for city planning and design as well as for resource allocation.

In this video adapted from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, students will learn about the prairie dog, the importance of its role in its ecosystem, and how an ever-growing human population affects it. [2:55]

Characteristics given about tundras. The two types of tundras, arctic and alpine, are both discussed.

Learn about the flora and fauna of the intertidal aquatic zone and the characteristics that describe this aquatic biome through reading and watching video clips. [6:42]

Students experience civil and environmental engineering by planning a housing development in an existing biome, while also protecting the native species that live there. They conduct research, draw plans, make brochures and give presentations, with each team having a member serving as a project manager, civil engineer, environmental engineer and graphic designer. The best designs creatively balance the needs and resources necessary to support both the native species and human infrastructure.