Project Launch: Eco-Detective Scavenger Hunt - Students embark on a school grounds scavenger hunt to find clues about ecosystem components and interactions, documenting their findings to spark curiosity and engagement with the project (60 min)

Introduction to Ecosystem Models - Guide students in exploring digital tools to create basic ecosystem models, focusing on energy flow and matter cycling, while introducing key project concepts (30 min)

Digital Simulation Setup - Students begin setting up their digital ecosystem simulations, selecting variables and initial conditions to test energy flow and matter cycling (30 min)

Field Trip Preparation - Collaborate with local environmental organizations to prepare students for an upcoming field trip, highlighting data collection techniques and observation goals (20 min)

Peer Review: Initial Models - Organize a session where students present their initial digital simulations and receive peer feedback on their models and hypotheses (40 min)

Field Trip: Local Ecosystem Observation - Students visit a local ecosystem with community partners, collecting data and observing energy flow and matter cycling in real-world settings (60 min)

Data Analysis and Integration - Students analyze field trip data and integrate findings into their digital simulations, refining models based on real-world observations (40 min)

Reflection and Portfolio Entry - Students reflect on their learning and experiences, documenting insights and updates in their digital portfolios (20 min)

Digital Simulation Refinement - Refine existing digital ecosystem models using peer feedback to enhance representations of energy flow and matter cycling (30 min)

Mathematical Analysis Workshop - Analyze and adjust simulations using computational thinking to explore interactions and carrying capacity (30 min)

Field Trip Data Integration - Integrate observations and data collected during field trips with digital simulations to validate models (30 min)

Peer Review Session - Present refined simulations to peers for constructive feedback and collaborative problem-solving (30 min)

Photojournalism Annotation - Annotate captured images of local ecosystems with scientific explanations of energy flow and matter cycling (30 min)

Community Partner Q&A - Engage with community partners in a Q&A session to explore real-world ecological challenges and solutions (30 min)

Digital Portfolio Compilation - Compile digital simulations, photojournalism annotations, and reflections into comprehensive digital portfolios (30 min)

Exhibition Preparation - Prepare visual and oral presentations for the community exhibition, focusing on effective communication of ecological insights (30 min)

Community Exhibition Setup - Set up exhibition space for displaying digital portfolios and annotated photo series to peers and community partners (30 min)

Interactive Exhibition Presentation - Host the community exhibition, engaging visitors in discussions and receiving feedback on ecosystem models and photojournalism projects (30 min)