1. Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors
Intro to Ecosystems
Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors

2. Definitions
Ecosystem: A community interacting with the non-living parts of its environment.
Biotic: Living organisms in the environment, such as plants or animals.
Abiotic: Non-living physical features of the environment, such as soil and water.

3. Evidence 1: Card Sort Sort the cards into 3 columns:
Biotic Abiotic Not Sure (or both/can’t agree)

4. Evidence: Sort contd… Write down the items that you were unsure of.
Look at those that are in the unsure column. Why were those confusing?
If you agreed on all of them, write down the rule that you used to decide.

5. Evidence: Pictures
For each picture, write the name and 2 columns. List as many biotic and abiotic factors as you can for each ecosystem
Where do you think the ecosystem boundaries are? (Where does it begin and end?)

6. River

7. Mountain Valley

8. Prairie

9. Ocean

10. Evidence 3: Courtyard Ecosystem
Your group will be assigned an area in the courtyard.
List as many biotic and abiotic factors as you can.
Write down the boundaries of your assigned ecosystem.

11. Analysis Questions
You’re on the beach and find a piece of driftwood. Is it biotic or abiotic? Why?
Is a patch of lawn an ecosystem? Explain.
What are some biotic & abiotic factors that would affect a plant but not a rabbit?

12. Summary What did you think ecosystems before this lesson?
What did you learn about ecosystems from this lesson? (Minimum of 3 sentences!!!)
What are some further thoughts or questions you have about ecosystems?

13. Reflection

14. Big Idea