Field Trip to Local Ecosystem (optional)

 

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Identify characteristics of an intact, diverse example of a local, natural ecosystem.
- Compare various outdoor habitats.

GUIDING QUESTION: What is an ecosystem?

MATERIALS:
- Chaperones (not a material, but quite helpful!)
- Field survey equipment as needed (examples: binoculars, digital cameras, vials or bags for collection, clipboards, magnifying glasses)
- Field guides (optional)

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Split class into groups of four students, pairing each group with an adult mentor.
2. As with the schoolyard, each group explores the entire area, noting structures, functions, and questions.
3. Closure: How are natural ecosystems valuable?