Unit 25: Life Cycles and Basic Biology

Day 22 of 30

Habitats and ecosystems intro

3-5Science

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Learning Objective

Students will be able to understand habitats and ecosystems intro.

Today's Lesson

In this lesson, we'll explore habitats and ecosystems intro. Scientific inquiry allows us to investigate and explain natural phenomena.

An ecosystem is a community of living things (plants, animals, microorganisms) interacting with each other and their non-living environment (water, soil, air, sunlight). A habitat is the specific place where an organism lives within an ecosystem. For example, a forest ecosystem includes trees, deer, insects, soil, and rain. Each organism plays a role, and they all depend on each other. When one part changes, it affects the whole system!

As you work through today's material, pay attention to the examples and try to identify the patterns or strategies being used. This will help you apply these concepts to new problems.

Take notes on key points and make connections to what you've already learned in previous lessons.

Key Terms
Investigate

To examine systematically through observation and experiment

Evidence

Observable facts that support or refute a claim

Activities
Instructions
1. Read the background information on habitats and ecosystems intro. 2. Form a hypothesis before beginning. 3. Conduct the investigation following procedures. 4. Record observations and analyze results.
Materials Needed
  • Lab notebook
  • Investigation materials
  • Safety equipment if needed
Practice Problems
1

What is a producer in a food chain?

Hint: These organisms make their own food.
2

Give an example of a simple food chain.

Hint: Start with a plant, then an animal that eats it, then a predator.
3

What would happen if all the plants in an ecosystem died?

Hint: Think about what eats plants.

Teaching Tip

For this age group: Balance direct instruction with collaborative activities. Allow students to explain their thinking and make connections to prior knowledge when exploring habitats and ecosystems intro.

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