Introduction

The Barnegat Bay Estuary is distinct from all other places on earth. In fact, it is irreplaceable. Estuaries are the most productive ecosystems on earth, containing more life per square inch than the richest farmland or deepest forest. However, the Estuary is in trouble because of human impacts. The Barnegat Bay needs your help!

You are a group of environmental consutants brought in to help identify and solve problems of the Barnegat Bay Estuary. As a team you are going to research and document the current problems the estuary is facing and present solutions to the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program (BBEP) and the surrounding communities at a conference.

You are a group of environmental consutants brought in to help identify and solve problems of the Barnegat Bay Estuary. As a team you are going to research and document the current problems the estuary is facing and present solutions to the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program (BBEP) and the surrounding communities at a conference.

Your team consists of a marine biologist, environmental scientist, ecologist, and wildlife expert. As a team you are going to research, collect and document the issues that the Barnegat Bay and it inhabitants are facing. In order to do this you will use several reputable websites to gather information. You may also contact other scientists or experts of Barnegat Bay to ask questions. However, you may only contact the people from the websites and organizations provided (If you find another expert not on the websites please let me know).

After you gather all of your information you will produce a PowerPoint presentation. The slideshow will then be presented to leaders of the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program (BBEP) and then the communities surrounding the Barnegat Bay.

Several tips to guide your exploration:

1. Clearly define an estuary and the importance of an estuary.

2. Each of you should research information relating to your field of expertise (the role you are playing).

3. You are a team, so help each other out. If you find information pertaining to someone elses field then let them know.

4. Practice your presentation before you present to the class.

The presentation should be 10-15 minutes in length with five minutes for questions.

5. Do not use too many words on your slides. You goal is to prove to the audience that you are an expert in your field and that you know the information.

5. List all sources for information and pictures.

6. Act and look professional.

There are several steps in order to accomplish this task:

1. First you will be assigned to a team of four students.

2. Each of you will pick a role to play: marine biologist, environmental scientist, ecologist, and wildlife expert.

3. Each of you will use laptop computers to start searching information relating to your field of expertise. Use the links provided.

You will have to use multiple resources from websites, books, and other experts.

Websites:

Save Barnegat Bay

Barnegat Bay National Estaury Program

Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife

This is the rubric that will be used to grade your PowerPoint Slideshow and Oral Presentation. 80 points will be given if all requirements are exemplary..

	Exemplary 10	Accomplished 8	Developing 6	Beginning 4	Score
Powerpoint Content	All required content is included, clearly explained and correct. Authors go beyond project requirements. Examples are given to support content.	All required content is included, clearly explained and correct. Some examples are given to support explanations.	Some content is missing or incorrect.	Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance.
Powerpoint Font/Text	Font size and color scheme are chosen so that text is clearly readable from all parts of room.			Text is difficult or impossible to read.
Powerpoint Graphics	Graphics (clipart, photos, scanned work, drawings) enhance the presentation and are liberally included.	Many appropriate graphics are used.	Some appropriate graphics are used	Few or no graphics are used.
Powerpoint Graphic Sources	All graphics are credited with a source.			Credit is not given for graphics.
Presentation Grammar	No misspellings or grammatical errors	Few misspellings or grammatical errors.	Some misspellings or grammatical errors.	Many misspellings and/or grammatical errors.
Oral Presentation	Presenters refer to powerpt. to describe content but do not read word for word. They face their audience.			Presenters read word for word from poster with their backs to their audience.
Oral Presentation	Presenters speak loudly, clearly, and at an appropriate speed. No distracting practices ("umms", leaning, fidgeting, speaking to the screen, reading word for word from notes).	Most presenters speak loudly, clearly, and at an appropriate speed. Few distracting practices.	Presenters are mostly but not always loud and clear. Few distracting practices.	Presentation is difficult to hear and follow.
Oral Presentation	All presenters are able to speak fluently and clearly about the topic. They can answer questions. It is obvious that the presentation has been rehearsed.	Presenters speak clearly about the topic and can answer questions. The presentation has been practiced.	Presenters are mostly able to explain their topic and respond to questions.	Presenters have difficulty explaining the topic and in responding to questions.
TOTAL POINTS (out of 80)

Congratualtions! Hopefully you feel good about presenting your solutions to improve the quality of the Barnegat Bay Estuary. You now should have a complete understanding of the problems and solutions regarding the quality of the Barnegat Bay Estuary. The Estuary is a valuable resource that can be destroyed if "we" do not take action to protect it.

Education is the best method of protection. Your next step is to educate everyone you know about what they can do to make a difference. You are also encouraged to participate in community service events. Get invlolved or lead beach and/or road-side cleanup events. Every little bit helps, so go for it!

What else can you do every day to make a difference???

Websites:

Save Barnegat Bay

Barnegat Bay National Estaury Program

Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife

Denise Bush. All Rights Reserved.