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All grades  Project 1 week

Eco-Balance Adventure: Models in the Wild!

Emily A
Updated
K-ESS3-1
MS-LS2-2
5-LS2-1
MS-LS2-2
HS-LS2-6
+ 5 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of local ecosystems to understand the relationships and interactions among organisms. Through observation and diagram creation, students will explore the dynamics of balanced versus imbalanced ecosystems, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This project will deepen students' understanding of ecological principles and foster their ability to communicate effectively about the complex interactions that sustain biodiversity.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze coastal ecosystems, focusing on the relationships between organisms and the environment. They will develop an understanding of ecosystem dynamics, including balanced and imbalanced scenarios due to competition and introduced species. Through collaboration and project co-design, students will enhance effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By the project's conclusion, they will exhibit content expertise by creating an informative brochure, reflecting on their learning through partner peer review, self-directed learning, and peer presentations.

Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-ESS3-1 - Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-2 - Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 5-LS2-1 - Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-2 - Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 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.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Throughout the project, students will observe and document ecosystems, creating diagrams and models that represent organism interactions. By the end, each student will produce an informational brochure focusing on organisms' roles within specific ecosystems, illustrating both balanced and imbalanced scenarios. The brochure will serve as a visual and textual representation of their understanding, shared during the final class presentation.

Launch

Begin the project with a visit to a local park or wild area, where students work in pairs to describe the environment and identify organisms, fostering observational skills. They use notebooks and tablets to record their findings through sketches and notes, focusing on active exploration and inquiry. This outdoor session sets the stage for understanding the complexity of ecosystems and prepares students for creating their models throughout the project.

Exhibition

On the final day of the project, students will present their informational brochures to the class, highlighting ecosystems they explored and the organisms within them. During the exhibition, students will explain their diagrams detailing balanced and imbalanced scenarios and share reflections on their learning journey. The event will allow students to showcase their critical thinking skills and offer opportunities for peer feedback and discussion on the projects.