Introduction to Ecosystems

 

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Define and describe ecosystems.
- Recognize structures and functions in local ecosystems.
- Differentiate between living and non-living (biotic and abiotic) components of ecosystems.
- Look for patterns in nature.

GUIDING QUESTION: What is an ecosystem?

MATERIALS:
- Nature magazines
- "Introduction to Ecosystems" worksheet
- Field survey equipment as needed (examples: binoculars, digital cameras, vials or bags for collection, clipboards, magnifying glasses)
- Field guides (optional)

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
Day 1: Wonder
1. Teams analyze a color photo (for instance, from National Geographic or other nature magazine), and list living and non-living things shown in photo. Students then brainstorm function of each item.
2. Entire class discusses results of analysis. Highlight disagreements/patterns/similarities.
3. Define structure, function, and ecosystem.
4. Teams go outside to identify and list structures and functions around schoolyard. They should also list any questions they note.

Day 2: Explore or Organize
1. Discuss findings. Emphasize interactions between the parts of the schoolyard ecosystem that students have identified.
2. Students write up a metaphor for an ecosystem. Provide this example - an ecosystem is like a hammock. A shift in one spot causes changes in many other areas. Things in it can come and go. It is supported by a number of interlocking threads, and a few can be removed and the hammock will still function, but things will begin to fall out if too many threads are missing.