Day 12 of 30
Energy flow in ecosystems
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Learning Objective
Students will understand energy flow in ecosystems through guided practice and application.
In this lesson, we'll explore energy flow in ecosystems. 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.
The ability to do work or cause change
To examine systematically through observation and experiment
Instructions
Materials Needed
- Lab notebook
- Investigation materials
- Safety equipment if needed
Name three forms of energy.
Where does most of Earth's energy come from?
Give an example of energy changing from one form to another.
Teaching Tip
For advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis and real-world connections. Consider extension activities that allow students to apply energy flow in ecosystems to novel situations.