Dive into the Deep: Ocean Ecosystem Adventure

7th Grade Project 2 weeks

Dive into the Deep: Ocean Ecosystem Adventure

Diana Mendoza

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the dynamic and interdependent nature of ocean ecosystems through active exploration and creative expression. By investigating specific ecosystems and constructing models, students will deepen their understanding of the roles organisms play and how changes impact the entire system. This project encourages students to synthesize knowledge and express their insights through art, fostering a comprehensive appreciation of marine biodiversity and ecological balance.

Learning goals

Students will understand the roles of various organisms within ocean ecosystems and how these roles contribute to the overall health and balance of the system. They will analyze how changes in one part of an ecosystem can have cascading effects on the entire system. Through research and collaborative model-building, students will identify and illustrate the food web and energy flow within a specific ocean ecosystem. Additionally, they will develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, and communication as they create and present artistic representations that reflect their understanding of ecosystem interconnectedness.

Standards

NGSS - MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
NGSS - MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.

Products

Students will create detailed 3D models of their chosen ocean ecosystems, illustrating the food web and energy flow. They will also produce artistic representations such as paintings or sculptures for the 'Ecosystem Art Gallery,' each accompanied by a written reflection. Throughout the project, students will develop a visual mind map that evolves with their understanding, showcasing the interconnectedness of ocean ecosystems.

Launch

Kick off the project with an 'Ocean Ecosystem Exploration Day' where students rotate through interactive stations that simulate different ocean ecosystems. Utilize models, virtual reality experiences, and engaging games to provide an immersive understanding of food webs and the roles of various organisms. This hands-on experience will spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Invite families and community members to the 'Ecosystem Art Gallery' where students showcase their artistic interpretations of ocean ecosystems. Each piece of art, whether a painting, sculpture, or digital creation, is accompanied by a written reflection that explains the interconnectedness of the ecosystem it represents. Students take turns presenting their work, highlighting key organisms and their roles, and discussing the impact of changes within their chosen ecosystem.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Participate in 'Ocean Ecosystem Exploration Day' where students rotate through interactive stations simulating different ocean ecosystems using models, VR experiences, and games.	Activity 2: Begin research on a specific ocean ecosystem, focusing on identifying key organisms and their roles within the food web.	Activity 3: Collaboratively draft an initial visual mind map incorporating prior knowledge and new insights from Exploration Day, emphasizing ecosystem interconnectedness.	Activity 4: Start constructing a 3D model of the chosen ocean ecosystem, illustrating the food web and energy flow. This involves sketching the layout and gathering materials.	Activity 5: Reflect on the week's learning by updating the mind map with new connections and insights, preparing for next week's continuation.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Initial visual mind map showing connections and insights from Exploration Day. 2. Deliverable 2: Draft layout and list of materials for the 3D ecosystem model.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Set up interactive stations with models, VR equipment, and games for 'Ocean Ecosystem Exploration Day.' 2. Prep Task 2: Compile a list of digital and print resources for students to use during their research on ocean ecosystems. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather materials for 3D models, including recycled items, art supplies, and reference images. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange for technology access (computers/tablets) for research and mind map creation.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Activity 1: Continue working on the 3D model of the chosen ocean ecosystem. Ensure that students incorporate all key organisms, correctly showing their roles and relationships within the food web and energy flow.	Activity 2: Conduct a peer review session where students present their 3D models to classmates and receive constructive feedback to refine their models for accuracy and clarity.	Activity 3: Develop artistic representations (paintings, sculptures, or digital art) of the chosen ocean ecosystem. Encourage creativity while ensuring that each piece visually represents key aspects of the ecosystem.	Activity 4: Write a reflection piece to accompany the artistic representation. The reflection should discuss the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, the roles of various organisms, and the impact of potential changes.	Activity 5: Finalize the visual mind map, incorporating insights from the peer review and artistic creation processes, highlighting any new connections or understandings.	Activity 6: Prepare for the 'Ecosystem Art Gallery' exhibition by organizing students' work and practicing presentation skills, focusing on articulating the significance of their art and research findings.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed and refined 3D model of the ocean ecosystem with labeled organisms and energy flow. 2. Deliverable 2: Artistic representation of the ocean ecosystem with an accompanying written reflection. 3. Deliverable 3: Finalized visual mind map showcasing comprehensive understanding of ocean ecosystem interconnectedness.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide additional art supplies and resources for creating artistic representations. 2. Prep Task 2: Develop guidelines and rubrics for the peer review session to facilitate effective feedback. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange space and materials for the 'Ecosystem Art Gallery' exhibition, ensuring adequate display options for student work. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare prompts and criteria for the written reflections to guide student writing.