1. Building Our Grow Systems

2. Standards – Nature of Science / Interdependence (7)
SC.8.N.1.1: Define a problem from the eighth grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.
SC.8.N.1.2: Design and conduct a study using repeated trials and replication.
SC.8.N.1.6: Understand that scientific investigations involve the collections of relevant empirical evidence, the use of logical reasoning, and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses, predictions, explanations, and models to make sense of the collected evidence.
SC.7.L.17.2 Compare and contrast the relationships among organisms such as mutualism, predation, parasitism, competition, and commensalism. 

3. Ecosystem Probe Worksheet – (2 colored pencils needed)
In THE SAME color:
Circle the name of the image(s) that represent ECOSYSTEMS.
DEFINE each ecosystem to the best of your knowledge

4. Mini-Lab: Exploration
You will rotate to THREE (3) lab stations per grow system to explore all of the materials that contribute to the function of an aquaponics ecosystem (1-3) or hydroponics system (4-6).
Group 7- collaborate with a small group for today; separate if needed – 5 per group, MAX.
We will be studying the WHOLE UNIT of two of our systems.

5. Your FOCUS
Because science is a COMPLEX, social activity, your mission is to COMMUNICATE with your team to generate a hypothesis that explains ways they think all materials work together in the system.
The focus of your group observations is:
What is each component’s role in the function of the aquaponics/hydroponics system?

6. Let’s do some science!
Aquaponics #1 #2 #3
Aquaponics Set-up
Hydroponics #4 #5 #6
Hydroponics Set-up
In addition, science is evidence-based. Therefore, observations will serve as evidence to support your hypotheses/claims.
As you experience a section of the system, you must DOCUMENT OBSERVATIONS along with your claims in your ISN.
Take your ISN. Page ___ (see board).
Draw object and list evidence for each part.
We will rotate after ~1-3 minutes.

7. Switch Systems and Repeat
Lab station 1  4 Lab station 2  5 Lab station 3  6

8. Discuss Visit member from other groups.
Share drawings, observations, compare/contrast claims.
Guiding questions:
What is your groups’ hypothesis?
What did you observe?
What is the same about your observations/hypotheses?
What is different about your observations/hypotheses?

9. Return to class to collaborate…
Using the white-boards at your desks, illustrate what you think the hydroponics AND aquaponics system will look like in 2 months.
Where do the organisms go?

10. Building Malawi (Aquaponics)
1st level?
How many liters might this hold?
What types of animals should live here?
Is our system salt water or fresh water?
2nd level?
What might grow here?
What type of plants can be grown?
How might the plants stand up in the grow bed?
Do they float in water?
What do we have that can serve as the soil medium?
3rd level?
Where might the bacteria live on the clay?

11. Building Malawi (Aquaponics)
What is an ecosystem?
A community of interacting organisms in their physical environment.
Can you think of ecosystems you are familiar with?
Ex: deserts, forests, lakes, ponds, coral reefs, etc
How is an aquaponics’ system an ecosystem?
Components work together as an ecosystem to support the lives of fish, bacteria, and plants. In addition, the living organisms of fish, bacteria, and plants depend on each other to stay alive.
What type of symbiotic relationship is this??
Mutualism

12. Evaluation- Ecosystem Probe Revisited
Reassess your initial responses to the probe form. You may change your responses or add details to it using a different colored pencil.

13. Extension – What is the Value of the Ecosystem, Malawi??
You will dig a little deeper!!
Create a presentation for the school to educate them on the function of your new aquaponics system. Meaning – RESEARCH and become an expert on it!