Introduction Process Task Resources Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction

Sea World needs your assistance. They are preparing for the arrival of two Florida Manatees. Sea World is in desperate need of a consultation team to establish a Manatee sanctuary at their San Diego facility. This team will research and design a suitable environment for the manatees.

Upon completing a comprehensive report your team will present a proposed enclosure for the manatees to the board of directors at Sea World. This report will include schematics of the enclosure, fresh water filtering requirements and habitat requirements.

To accomplish this task you and your team members will have to coordinate the following activities:

1. You will select two classmates to team with.
2. After the teams have been established you will chose a role to play for example you may chose to be the architect, marine biologist, or animal behaviorist.
3. Each member will complete the role specific tasks in order to design a manatee enclosure. Decide with each other is doing-- I need this on paper and this will also be part of your cover sheet.
4. Every team will turn in a scale drawing of the enclosure and a detailed information board. The scale drawing must contain the following information: tank capacity, filtration system, and habitat requirements. The information board should inform the general public of pertinent facts about manatees (for example weight, size, life span, etc.), why the manatee is an endangered species, and conservation efforts. Your information should be displayed on a tri-fold display.

Each team will have their work evaluated by a panel consisting of an administrator, counselor, and a teacher. Each member of the team that receives the tops score will receive manatee T-shirt.

The Task

Your task is to identify the natural conditions for Florida manatees. You will attempt to replicate these conditions as much as possible in the design of a manatee enclosure at Sea World San Diego.

Your presentation will include:

• Natural conditions for Florida manatees in the wild
• Architectural design of the enclosure (A scale drawing of the enclosure)
• Feeding habits of the manatee in the wild
• Information board designed to educate the public on the manatee
• Bibliography include all the URL's (click here for a guide on how to write URL's as a reference) To receive a passing grade your project must include a bibliography
• A ten to fifteen minute presentation of your enclosure and information board

 **Do not copy any information from the WEB-- read the information and then summarize the information in your own words. Plagiarizing will result in an automatic grade of "F" for the group and a parent conference.**

Resources

These resources will assist you and the members of your team in completing your project.

• Sea World-- San Diego
• University of Florida
• General Information
  • Manatee News
  • Pictures

Marine Biologist resources:

• Scientific Classification
  • Basic Facts
  • Basic Facts II
  • Basic Facts III
• Population
• Physical characteristics
  • General Description
  • General Description
• Manatee senses
• Habitat
• Climate adaptations
  • Cold Weather
• Diet
• Longevity and major causes of death
  •  
• Pollution
• Conservation
  • Save The Manatee Club
  • Sirenia Project
  • Recovery Plan
  • Recovery Plan II
  • Recovery Plan III

Animal Behaviorist resources:

• Behavior
• Reproduction
• Birth and infant care
• Communication
• Interactions with humans
• Social Behavior
• Social Structure

Architectural resources:

• Enclosure design
• Water filtration

Evaluation

Your team will present your enclosure design and information board to a panel of three adults. Presentations should last approximately ten to fifteen minutes. you may choose to have one person present the information, or each person can speak about their area of specialty. Each team will receive a group grade while each individual will be graded on their own contributions to the group. A rubric will be used to evaluate the group portion of the project. Click here to view and print a copy of the rubric.

Conclusion

This project will present an opportunity for each team member to build on their individual and group organizational and presentation skills. In addition, the process will present you the opportunity to gain knowledge of the manatee, endangered species management, and aquatic animal habitat design and construction.