Project Launch: Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt - Students work in teams to find and document various plant and animal species within a designated area of the Bay City Recreation Area, enhancing observational skills and collaboration (40 min)

Introductory Discussion: Understanding Ecosystems - Facilitate a discussion on the essential question: How do ecosystems work, and how can understanding them help us protect them? Encourage students to share initial thoughts and questions (30 min)

Reflective Journal Entry - Students write a short entry reflecting on their scavenger hunt experience and initial thoughts about ecosystems (20 min)

Field Research Introduction - Introduce students to the concept of field research and outline the methods they will use to collect data on local ecosystems, emphasizing biotic and abiotic factors (20 min)

Data Collection Training - Provide hands-on training for students on how to use data collection tools and techniques, such as quadrats and transects, to study ecosystems (40 min)

Team Planning Session - Students form research teams and plan their data collection strategies for the upcoming field research at Bay City Recreation Area (30 min)

Field Research at Bay City Recreation Area - Students conduct field research to collect data on local ecosystems, focusing on biotic and abiotic interactions to understand ecosystem stability (60 min)

Data Analysis Workshop - Back in the classroom, students begin to organize and analyze their collected data, identifying patterns and interactions within the ecosystem (30 min)

Field Data Collaboration - Students share and discuss their field research findings with their peers, focusing on biotic and abiotic interactions within the ecosystem (30 min)

Multimedia Presentation Development - Begin creating multimedia presentations that highlight the significance of ecosystem services and the effects of environmental changes, incorporating field research data (60 min)

Expert Insights Session - Invite a community partner from Bay City Recreation Area to discuss the impact of human activities on ecosystems and potential conservation strategies (40 min)

Presentation Refinement Workshop - Students refine their multimedia presentations, incorporating insights from the expert session to strengthen their evidence-based arguments (50 min)

Peer Review Session - Organize peer review for multimedia presentations, where students exchange feedback on accuracy, clarity, and engagement (45 min)

Storybook Planning - Introduce the storybook project where students plan narratives to explain ecosystem protection to K-2 students, focusing on effective storytelling techniques (45 min)

Debate Preparation - Students research and compile evidence to support their arguments for the upcoming debate on ecosystem protection solutions, focusing on effectiveness and feasibility (45 min)

Introduction to Storybook Writing - Guide students in brainstorming and outlining their storybooks for K-2 students, emphasizing the importance of conveying environmental care in an engaging and age-appropriate manner (45 min)

Storybook Drafting - Students begin writing and illustrating their storybooks, applying narrative techniques and ensuring scientific accuracy to teach younger students about ecosystem protection (60 min)

Peer Feedback on Storybooks - Students exchange storybook drafts and offer constructive feedback on clarity, engagement, and scientific content to enhance their peers' work (30 min)

Debate on Ecosystem Solutions - Conduct a student-led debate where students present and defend their proposed solutions for ecosystem protection, using evidence and critical thinking to assess different approaches (60 min)

Storybook Revision - Students incorporate peer feedback to revise and refine their storybooks, focusing on improving narrative flow and scientific explanations (30 min)

Debate Preparation - Students conduct research and prepare arguments for the upcoming student-led debate on ecosystem protection strategies (40 min)

Debate Skills Workshop - Facilitate a workshop focused on effective public speaking and argumentation techniques to enhance students' debate performance (30 min)

Reflection Journal - Students write a brief entry reflecting on their debate preparation and the skills they aim to improve (20 min)

Student-led Debate - Host a debate where students present and defend their evidence-based solutions for ecosystem protection, fostering critical thinking and communication skills (60 min)

Debate Reflection - Students discuss the outcomes of the debate, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented and potential real-world applications (30 min)

Panel Discussion with Bay City Recreation Area Partners - Host a panel where students engage with community experts to reflect on project outcomes and explore real-world applications of ecosystem protection (45 min)

Storybook Reading Event Planning - Organize and rehearse the upcoming event where students will read their environmental storybooks to K-2 students, ensuring effective storytelling techniques (45 min)