Ecosystems Lesson Plan

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Ecosystem Food Chains 5th Grade Science Lesson Plan:

Ecosystem Food Chains 5 th Grade Science Lesson Plan Susana Cortes Rosas University of Texas San Antonio

Theme and Approach:

Theme and Approach Observing the food chain: Energy flow in ecosystems Approach: Task 1:Technology Assisted, Task 2-4: small group/collaborative Task 5: Whole group


Objectives To identify components of an ecosystem; and describe how organisms including producers, consumers, and decomposers live together in an environment.

5th Grade Science TEKS :

5 th Grade Science TEKS 9B) Describe how the flow of energy derived from the sun, used by producers to create their own food, is transferred through a food chain and food web to consumers and decomposers 3 C) Draw or develop a model that represents how something works or looks that cannot be seen 2G) Construct appropriate simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts, using technology, including computers, to organize, examine, and evaluate information


Rationale To foster awareness for the environment and the ways in which all living things are dependent on each other for survival To expose students to internet resources available for scientific study and research


Materials Research Organizers Technology Materials Computer with internet connection Headphones Media Software (i.e. Powerpoint , Paint, etc.) Materials for 3D Model Cardboard box Art supplies: Paint, crayons, markers, color pencils, etc. Construction paper Scissors Printer

Lesson Steps:

Lesson Steps


TASK Read information on page and Watch three videos on page links Complete “What is a food chain?” module: http :// / Play “Sunny Meadows” game at the bottom of page links Complete online lesson and games 1


TASK Ecosystem Interdependence Food chain Food web Energy source Producer Consumer Decomposer Niche Living Non-living Complete Picture Glossary Keywords 2


TASK RESEARCH LINKS Ecosystems http :// index.html / bis /links/Biomes/ links.html# desert Plants and animals http :// / / posters.phtml naturenotes.html Research an ecosystem 3


Ecosystems Desert Temperate Decidious Forest

Research Questions:

Research Questions 1) Describe ecosystem (what is the habitat? What is the climate? Where is it found?) 2) What living organisms (such as plants and animals) are part of this ecosystem? 3) Describe each organisms role within this ecosystem? Producer, consumer, decomposer? 3)Describe how energy is transferred using a model or diagaram (i.e. food web, food web pyramid)

Research Organizers:

Research Organizers ANIMAL FACT SHEET https : // /s/7qgifbjqze0y05x/Animal%20fact%20sheet.docx RESEARCH QUESTION ORGANIZER https :// doc


TASK Graphic Model on Powerpoint and/or other photo editing and media software Three -Dimensional Model using any combination of media Create a FOOD WEB MODEL 4 Options


Must show at least 2 interacting food chains Must include at least one producer , consumer, and decomposer Each plant and animal must be labeled Must use arrows to indicate flow of energy Requirements

Examples of Food Web Models:

Examples of Food Web Models


TASK Groups will present their research and food web via an oral/visual presentation Presentation 5


Evaluation Student will be evaluated based on Group participation Completeness of r esearch organizers Meeting criteria for Food Web Model Presentation


Rubrics Presentation Evaluation Rubrics Teacher Peer http :// Self


Extensions ART: Create a class ecosystem mural demonstrating a food web Working together to create an artistic classroom mural we will demonstrate the concept of interdependence See lesson example here: http:// / hbf / watershed_mural.pdf SCIENCE Create a terrarium or “mini ecosystem” and observe how organisms interact http:// / Lessonplan / preview.cgi?LPid =618 SOCIAL STUDIES: Inform the public Create an informative pamphlet about one of the overpopulated species such as deer ( i.e Explaining why they shouldn ’ t fee the deer) http:// /publications/ pwdpubs /media/pwd_br_w7000_1137.pdf Why our wildlife in Texas is so important and ways we can protect it

Extensions (cont.):

Extensions (cont.) Additional investigations: Go on a nature walk to: A) Your school (with class) B) your local park (with an adult) C) your backyard (alone or with an adult) Part 1: Record notes using a journal, take pictures, collect samples of plants Part 2: Share with the class what you saw through an oral presentation, a story book, a video, etc.

Why this lesson works for culturally diverse students?:

Why this lesson works for culturally diverse students? Collaborative environment allows them to receive help from other students and vice versa Performance based assessment Tasks are designed to be appealing to multiple intelligences and allow students to showcase their unique skills Teaches and allows them to practice research skills, and presentation skills, as well as media literacy Integrated: Allows them to see connection to real world

Teacher Resources:

Teacher Resources Ecosystems Webquests http :// Ecosystems.htm ecosystems.htm Resources for ELL Students Spanish Translation “Food chain” sFIOWV64FcY 8RElcRErC0Q Ecology for Kids Website in Spanish http :// index.html

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