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9th Grade
- Project
- 5 weeks
Eco Adventure: Build a Resilient Wonderland!
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage students in designing sustainable ecosystems that balance human development needs with ecological preservation. Through hands-on investigations and modeling, students will explore ecological relationships, matter and energy cycles, and the impact of human activities on biodiversity. By acting as ecological consultants, students will propose solutions grounded in scientific principles, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills. This project aims to deepen students' understanding of ecosystem stability and resilience, preparing them to address real-world environmental challenges.
Learning goals
Students will learn to balance human development with ecosystem preservation by designing sustainable models that address real-world challenges. They will develop skills in data analysis, model creation, and scientific communication, while understanding ecological relationships and the impact of human activities on biodiversity and stability. Through hands-on investigations and collaborative problem-solving, students will apply scientific principles to propose viable solutions for maintaining long-term ecological health.
Standards
- NGSS - HS-LS2-4: Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.
- NGSS - HS-LS2-6: Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
- NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create detailed ecosystem models using digital tools or physical materials, incorporating data collected from their field expedition. They will develop comprehensive presentations that articulate their design choices, supported by quantitative and qualitative data analyses. By the end of the learning experience, students will produce a science fair-style exhibition showcasing their ecosystem models and solutions, along with a peer-reviewed assessment report evaluating the scientific accuracy, creativity, and feasibility of their designs.
Launch
Organize a 'Field Expedition Day' where students visit a nearby nature reserve or urban park. During the visit, students will collect data, take photos, and make observations about the current state of the ecosystem, focusing on potential human impacts. This hands-on experience will serve as a springboard for generating questions and hypotheses about ecosystem stability and human influence, setting the stage for their role as ecological consultants in the project.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their ecosystem models at a science fair-style exhibition, inviting community members and local experts to engage with their work. Each student will present their design choices and explain how their models address sustainability and biodiversity challenges, fostering a dialogue on ecological health. This exhibition provides an opportunity for students to communicate their findings and receive feedback from a broader audience, reinforcing the real-world impact of their projects.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Phenomenon Introduction - Present a real-world scenario of an ecosystem facing disruption to spark curiosity and prompt students to generate questions about ecosystem stability (30 min)
Data Observation - Students examine data, images, and news clips to identify patterns, and pose questions about human impact on ecosystems (40 min)
Question Generation - Facilitate a session where students collaboratively generate and categorize questions related to the driving question of the project (20 min)
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Field Expedition Preparation - Guide students in preparing for a field expedition, focusing on safety, data collection methods, and observation techniques (30 min)
Ecosystem Exploration - Conduct a virtual tour of various ecosystems, highlighting biotic and abiotic factors and ecological relationships like predation and symbiosis (40 min)
Reflection and Discussion - Students reflect on the virtual tour, discussing their observations and initial thoughts on ecosystem stability (20 min)
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Field Expedition Day - Students visit a local nature reserve or urban park to collect data, take photos, and make observations about the current ecosystem state (60 min)
Data Sharing - Back in the classroom, students share their initial observations and photos, discussing potential human impacts observed during the expedition (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Field Observation Report: Students submit their observations, including photos, sketches, and data from the field expedition.
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| Preparation |
1. Secure permissions and logistics for the field trip, including transportation and safety equipment.
2. Prepare and distribute field notebooks or digital devices for data collection during the expedition. 3. Collect or develop educational resources, such as news clips and data sets, for the phenomenon launch. 4. Set up or provide access to virtual or physical ecosystem models for hands-on exploration. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ecosystem Data Analysis - Students analyze data collected during the field expedition, identifying patterns and potential human impacts on ecosystem stability (30 min)
Modeling Biotic and Abiotic Factors - Students create physical or digital models representing the interaction between biotic and abiotic factors observed (40 min)
Collaborative Reflection - Facilitate a group discussion for students to share insights from their models and propose hypotheses about ecosystem stability (20 min)
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Investigating Ecological Relationships - Students explore ecological relationships like predation, mutualism, and competition using interactive simulations (40 min)
Hands-on Ecosystem Modeling - Students build and refine ecosystem models integrating ecological relationships and their impact on stability (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students present their models to peers for constructive feedback focusing on scientific accuracy and creativity (20 min)
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Energy Flow Exploration - Students investigate energy flow in ecosystems, modeling food webs and energy pyramids using digital tools (30 min)
Matter Cycling Analysis - Analyze the cycling of matter, focusing on carbon and nitrogen cycles, and their significance to ecosystem stability (40 min)
Discussion on Disruptions - Facilitate a discussion on how disruptions to energy and matter cycles affect ecosystem stability (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Create a digital or physical model of a food web and nutrient cycle, highlighting key ecological relationships and energy flow.
2. Analyze a case study on human impact disruption (e.g., algal blooms), providing a written report detailing the observed effects on ecosystem stability. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather digital tools or physical materials for building food web and nutrient cycle models.
2. Provide access to case studies and data sets related to human impacts on ecosystems. 3. Organize collaborative sessions with clear guidelines for effective peer feedback and discussion. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Model Ecosystem Design - Begin designing a model ecosystem by selecting appropriate biotic and abiotic components that support stability and biodiversity (30 min)
Data Analysis Workshop - Utilize collected data to identify patterns and inform design choices, applying mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships (30 min)
Collaborative Planning Session - Teams collaborate to outline their ecosystem design plan, integrating scientific principles and previous observations (30 min)
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Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle Investigation - Conduct an in-depth investigation into the carbon and nitrogen cycles, using models to explain their significance to ecosystem stability (30 min)
Human Impact Simulation - Simulate the impact of human activities on the carbon and nitrogen cycles and analyze consequences on ecosystem stability (30 min)
Solution Brainstorming - Brainstorm potential engineering solutions to mitigate human impact on these cycles, supported by scientific data (30 min)
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Design Review and Feedback - Present initial ecosystem model designs for peer review, focusing on scientific accuracy, creativity, and feasibility (30 min)
Iterative Design Improvement - Incorporate feedback to refine ecosystem models, ensuring alignment with sustainability and biodiversity goals (30 min)
Cost-Benefit Analysis - Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of design choices to evaluate ecological and economic impacts (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A detailed visual model of the carbon and nitrogen cycles, accompanied by an analysis report discussing potential disruptions and their effects on ecosystem stability.
2. A collaborative team sketch or blueprint of the initial design of the model ecosystem, including annotations that address ecological relationships and matter/energy cycles. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather simulation software or tools for modeling ecological relationships and matter/energy cycles.
2. Provide access to case studies and data sets on environmental changes and their impact on biodiversity. 3. Prepare materials for creating visual models, such as poster boards, markers, and digital design tools. 4. Organize workspace for team collaboration to design ecosystem sketches and blueprints. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Biodiversity Impact Analysis - Conduct a simulation to investigate how changes in biodiversity affect ecosystem stability, using digital models to visualize potential outcomes (40 min)
Collaborative Investigation - Students work in teams to analyze the results of the biodiversity simulation, discussing implications for their ecosystem designs (30 min)
Design Adaptation Session - Teams refine their ecosystem models based on insights gained from biodiversity analysis, ensuring alignment with stability goals (20 min)
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Human Impact Case Study - Examine a real-world case study on human impact, such as deforestation, and its effect on ecosystem stability (30 min)
Engineering Solution Development - Develop engineering solutions to mitigate negative human impacts observed in the case study, using data and models to justify choices (40 min)
Peer Review Workshop - Present revised ecosystem models and proposed solutions to peers, receiving feedback focused on feasibility and scientific accuracy (20 min)
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Iterative Model Refinement - Incorporate peer feedback to make final improvements to ecosystem models, ensuring they address long-term sustainability (30 min)
Scientific Communication Practice - Prepare and practice presentations, articulating design choices and their alignment with ecological preservation goals (30 min)
Final Presentation Planning - Organize and plan for the upcoming science fair-style exhibition, ensuring all necessary materials and supporting data are prepared (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised ecosystem model incorporating peer feedback and expert suggestions.
2. Simulation report detailing the effects of environmental changes on biodiversity and stability in the ecosystem model. 3. Proposed strategies document with a cost-benefit analysis to address human impacts on the ecosystem. 4. Draft presentation for the upcoming science fair-style exhibition. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials and resources for simulation activities, including access to digital simulation tools and data sets.
2. Provide guidelines and rubrics for cost-benefit analysis to support students' strategy development. 3. Set up a peer consultation session with local ecology experts to offer feedback on students' designs. 4. Prepare presentation equipment, including projectors and display boards, for the workshop and exhibition practice. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Model Refinement - Students apply final adjustments to their ecosystem models, ensuring all design choices align with sustainability goals (30 min)
Scientific Explanation Development - Students craft detailed explanations of their ecosystem designs, highlighting how they address ecological health and stability (30 min)
Preparation for Exhibition - Teams organize their presentation materials and rehearse their explanations for the science fair-style exhibition (30 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Students set up their ecosystem models and presentation spaces for the exhibition, ensuring clarity and accessibility for viewers (30 min)
Science Fair Exhibition - Conduct a science fair-style exhibition where students present their models to community members and local experts, showcasing their understanding of ecological sustainability (60 min)
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Peer Assessment and Feedback - Facilitate a session where students evaluate each other's ecosystem designs using a rubric, providing constructive feedback focused on scientific accuracy and creativity (30 min)
Reflective Analysis - Students reflect on feedback received during the peer assessment and exhibition, identifying strengths and areas for improvement (30 min)
Summative Assessment Completion - Students complete a summative assessment, presenting a written or digital demonstration of their ecosystem model and scientific rationale (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Refined ecosystem model incorporating peer feedback
2. Final presentation for the science fair-style exhibition 3. Reflective assessment report on learning outcomes and future implications |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange venue and logistics for the science fair-style exhibition
2. Provide materials for model refinement (e.g., digital tools, physical supplies) 3. Prepare rubric and guidelines for reflective assessment 4. Coordinate invitations and communication with community members and local experts |
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