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All grades  Project 9 weeks

Ecosystem Adventures: Populations, Energy, and Biodiversity!

Keri F
Updated
HS-LS2-2
HS-LS2-2
HS-LS2-6
HS-LS2-1
LS.2.C
+ 11 more
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Purpose

This project-based learning experience aims to deepen students' understanding of ecosystems and their dynamic components through hands-on exploration and critical analysis. Students will engage with real-world ecological issues, fostering resilience and adaptability as they propose meaningful solutions to environmental challenges. Through collaboration, reflection, and active participation, students will develop essential science skills, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and think critically about complex ecological interactions.

Learning goals

Students will deepen their understanding of ecosystem dynamics by exploring the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors and their impacts on populations and biodiversity. Through hands-on fieldwork and collaborative projects, they will model energy flow and matter cycling, evaluate ecosystem stability, and develop solutions to mitigate human impact on the environment. By engaging in critical thinking, reflection, and local community service, students will cultivate effective communication and collaboration skills, promoting a sense of belonging and academic mindset.

Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-2 - Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-2 - Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
  • [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.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-1 - Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-1 - Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-4 - Use a mathematical representation to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in 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.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-2 - Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
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.
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Students will collaboratively develop a presentation on ecosystem dynamics for a local environmental organization, showcasing their understanding of biodiversity, energy flow, and resilience. As part of a community engagement project, they will design proposals for conservation initiatives or sustainable solutions, highlighting these in a public exhibition. Additionally, students will create and maintain a digital portfolio, documenting their learning process, reflections, and critiques, which will serve as a personal resource for future ecological studies and advocacy.

Launch

Students begin with hands-on fieldwork at a local park or nature reserve to collect samples and observe ecosystems in action. They engage in a lab activity by creating mini-ecosystems in sealed terrariums, modeling elements like biotic and abiotic factors. These activities are coupled with group discussions to predict how changes in these mini-ecosystems can impact their stability and resilience.

Exhibition

Students will host an ecology fair, inviting local community members to explore interactive exhibits showcasing their research projects, data, and models on ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. Each group will present their solutions to real-world environmental challenges, fostering critical discussions and feedback. Using multimedia presentations and demonstrations, students will illustrate the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and propose actionable strategies for conservation and restoration efforts.