Textbook: Ecosystems and Populations Textbook

Extension: Chemosynthesis – look through this slideshow to learn more. Then choose an activity to complete.

Review:  Ecosystems Summative Study Guide

General Resources

• Ecosystems of the World – Infographic
• Ecosystem lessons and resources
• Nature Works Fact Sheets****
• Ted Talk Radio Hour – Everything is Connected

Lessons:

Introduction

• Vocabulary – homework
• Vocabulary Quizlet – online quiz

Systems – Use one of the following

• Bicycle analogy – intro to the unit – (2 classes)
• Oreo Separator Machine – to use for start of unit to explain system; Oreo Separator Machine Recording Sheet

Ecological Organization

• Biomes – Research, poster and presentation in groups – (2 classes)
• Biomes – used for research

Ecosystems

• What is an Ecosystem – Ecosystem, Community, Population, Organism organization including niche, biotic and abiotic
• Ecosytems – use for research

Photosynthesis and Producers

• Photosynthesis
• Cereal and Leaf Cut-out
• Sugar and Starch Lab
• Photosynthesis Song
• Photosynthesis Song by They Might be Giants

Consumers

• Consumers and Decomposers CK-12 Reading and Questions – good for in class or homework (25-30 minutes)
• Owl Pellet Dissection – use lab procedure and write up hard copy sheets in lab then create blog post
• Virtual Owl Pellet Dissection – used for intro and for absent students

Food Chains and Webs

• Effects of changes in the ecosystem on the populations

Energy Pyramids

• Energy Pyramids

Limiting Factors

• Deer Predation of Starvation
• Limiting Factors Presentation
• Raccoon Simulation
• Limiting Factors and Relationship Website – practice with what happens if one organism disappears

Symbiosis

• Symbiosis – Slideshow and Video Lesson (can cut short the video; notes and sheet with video)
• Symbiosis Powerpoint – great for review with examples for practice
• Symbiosis Sort – Follow up to lesson and videos