SEEd - Grade 6
Lesson Plans

Strand 6.4: STABILITY AND CHANGE IN ECOSYSTEMS

The study of ecosystems includes the interaction of organisms with each other and with the physical environment. Consistent interactions occur within and between species in various ecosystems as organisms obtain resources, change the environment, and are affected by the environment. This influences the flow of energy through an ecosystem, resulting in system variations. Additionally, ecosystems benefit humans through processes and resources, such as the production of food, water and air purification, and recreation opportunities. Scientists and engineers investigate interactions among organisms and evaluate design solutions to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem resources.

Standard 6.4.4

Construct an argument supported by evidence that the stability of populations is affected by changes to an ecosystem. Emphasize how changes to living and nonliving components in an ecosystem affect populations in that ecosystem. Examples could include Utah ecosystems such as mountains, Great Salt Lake, wetlands, and deserts. (LS2.C)

• UT.SEEd.6.4.4 E.1
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.4 Episode 1 from seedstorylines.org . Students will construct an explanation of how rabbits affect the stability of Australia's ecosystems.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.4 E.2
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.4 Episode 2 from seedstorylines.org . Students will construct an argument that sea otters are a keystone species and directly affect the stability of the kelp forest ecosystem.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.4 E.3
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.4 Episode 3 from seedstorylines.org . Students will construct an explanation of how a wolf pack population was affected by human interference.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.4 E.4
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.4 Episode 4 from seedstorylines.org . Students will construct an argument to explain how the stability of deer population was affected by human actions.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.4 E.5
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.4 Episode 5 from seedstorylines.org . Students will conduct research on a native Utah species that has become endangered and the factors that have affected that population.
• What is the future of a forest under attack?
  Students will build an energy pyramid model to visualize populations of producers, consumers, and decomposers in this mountain ecosystem and how biotic and abiotic changes may impact those populations.
  NHMU Research Quests are phenomena-based, online investigations asynchronously led by museum educators and scientists that are rooted in museum research and collections. Resources include teacher instructional guides, formative and summative assessments, and student notebooks. A free educator acount is required to access the materials.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.