Exploring Ecosystems: The Web of Life
Exploring Ecosystems: The Web of Life
Lesson duration is: 40 minItems in this lesson
Exploring Ecosystems: The Web of Life
What do you already know about ecosystems?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain what an ecosystem is, identify biotic and abiotic factors, and describe interactions within ecosystems.
Success Criteria
You can: - Define 'ecosystem' and its main parts - Give examples of biotic and abiotic factors - Explain how living and non-living things interact in an ecosystem - Use an example to illustrate your explanation
What is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living things (plants, animals, microbes) interacting with each other and their non-living environment (like water, rocks, air) in a specific area.
Biotic & Abiotic Factors
Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria.
Water, sunlight, soil, air, temperature.
Abiotic (Non-living)
Biotic (Living)
Interactions: Food Chains
Energy flows in an ecosystem through food chains. Producers (plants) are eaten by consumers (animals). Decomposers break down dead organisms.
Task: Build Your Ecosystem
Draw or describe a simple ecosystem. Include three biotic and three abiotic factors. Show how one living thing depends on a non-living factor.
Watch: Ecosystems in Action
Watch a short video showing how plants, animals, and the environment interact. Take notes on the relationships you observe.
Review & Reflect
Share one new thing you learned today about ecosystems. How do you think humans affect ecosystems?
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
