Ecology and the Ecosystem

Ecology enthusiasts explore ecosystems with this worksheet. They define vocabulary terms and write out answers to questions about distribution and abundance of life. They complete a chart comparing abiotic and biotic factors of Earth's...

Students explain the role of different organisms in the food web. In this ecology lesson plan, students participate in a game to simulate mineral cycling through the web. They discuss the importance of recycling minerals and resources.

From tiny organisms to entire biomes, young scientists examine the interdependent relationships tying all living and non-living things together with this collection of ecology resources.

Young scholars distinguish between natural and man-made ecosystems.  In this exploratory instructional activity students describe preventative measures to ecological problems.

Young scientists explore the interdependence of organisms with this simple life science activity. Using the provided template, learners create and label tiered pyramids that model the hierarchy of trophic levels in ecosystems.

A lab activity is a great way to incite thoughtful questioning and scientific processes. Pupils will collect organisms with a Petri dish, make observations, sketch the organism, ask questions, then attempt to identify the specimen...

This smart slide show outlines energy flow in ecosystems. It addresses the sun as the primary source of all energy, flows into explanations of photosynthesis and respiration, and explores trophic feeding levels and productivity....

Do you have a pond in your backyard? While typically used for recreational or aesthetic purposes, ponds actually provide a habitat for several species. Identify some of the benefits aquatic plants have on pond ecosystems, and learn small...

Produce, consume, decompose...repeat! Examine how matter and energy cycles in ecosystems by watching a video discussing NGSS standard LS2B. The narrator explains the requirements of the standard at each grade level, plus gives tips to...

Mia's friends are fish-sitting while she is away on vacation. Zoe divulges to Sam that different animals need different habitats, and that there are both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. Examples of the kinds of organisms found in...