1. Unlocking the Mysteries of an Ecosystem
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2. Discussion Questions What is an ecosystem?
Name the ecosystem that was in the video.
From the video:
Give an example of a consumer
Give an example of a producer
Give an example of energy transfer
Describe another kind of ecosystem?
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3. An Introduction to an Ecosystem
Ecosystem Introduction Video
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4. Ecosystem 3 – Corners Activity
Fungi on a rotting tree.
A deer eating grass.
A bear eating salmon.
Sunflowers growing in a field.
Extended Questions:
How are these two organisms interacting?
How is the energy being transferred?
Label 3 – corners of the classroom: consumers, decomposers, producers
Explain to the students that they need to go to the corner that describes the organism’s interaction as a decomposer, consumer or producer.
Answers: decomposer, consumer, consumer, producers
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5. Food Chain
A food chain is a feeding hierarchy in which organisms in an ecosystem are grouped into trophic levels and are shown in a succession to represent the flow of food energy and the feeding relationships between them.
mscbiol11.wikispaces.com/chapter+06+distribution+of+materials
In this slide review the flow of energy in a food chain. This is a concept that they should know.
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6. A food web is many food chains linked together to show a more accurate model of all possible feeding relationships of organisms in an ecosystem.
Food Web
In this slide, explain the flow of energy in a food web. Point out that it all begins with the sun, then the producers, consumers and decomposers. In a food web the relationships are all intertwined.
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7. Transfer of Energy
Energy is transferred along food chains and food webs from one level to the next. Some of the energy is used up in growth, reproduction, repair, movement and not made available to the next level.
This slide shows the flow of energy starting with the sun through to the top carnivore.
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8. Ecosystem Diagram Directions
Choose an ecosystem from the teacher’s list.
Research your ecosystem.
Draw your ecosystem on an 8x11 paper. Make sure to include at least 5 animals and 3 plants.
Draw arrows showing the flow of energy in the ecosystem.
Label and color your ecosystem and all organisms.
Write a 6-8 sentences detailed paragraph about your ecosystem.
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9. Ecosystems Ocean Reef Savanna Grassland Dry Desert Coastal Desert
Artic Tundra
Temperate Rainforest
Tropical Rainforest
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10. Resources for Research
These are also on the student handout.
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11. Ecosystem Rubrics Ecosystem Diagram Ecosystem Summary Content
The diagram includes 5 animals and 3 plants and shows the flow of energy of organisms accurately.
Organization
The diagram is neat, organized, colored and labeled.
Creativity
All graphics reflect the food web within the ecosystem.
Main Idea
The summary is clear, focused, and organized.
Content
The content is accurate, detailed and identifies the producers, consumers and decomposers.
Paragraph
The summary includes 6-8 sentences that are complete with few errors in spelling and grammar.
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12. Ecosystem Diagram Examples
Savanna Grassland
Ocean Reef
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