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My Ecosystem

Time Frame

1 class periods of 60 minutes each

Group Size

Small Groups

Authors

Utah LessonPlans

Summary

Students will randomly select an area in a field or lawn for observation and measurement.


Materials

Attachments


Student Prior Knowledge

Students should know what the terms "biotic" and "abiotic" mean.


Instructional Procedures

  1. Select an area with the most biodiversity near your school. Instruct students to throw the hula hoop or wad up the string and throw it randomly into this area.
  2. Working in groups of 3-4, students should spread the string into a circle or locate their hula hoop. Using their student sheet, they should list as many biotic and abiotic features as they can. They should draw a sketch of the area.
  3. Working individually, students should write a short poem about the interaction of the biotic and abiotic factors in their mini-ecosystem. It should have about 10 lines and describe 3 real interactions. It does not have to rhyme.
  4. To follow up this activity, discuss with the class which factors they placed in the biotic and abiotic lists. Then ask for students to volunteer to read their poem.


Assessment Plan

Scoring Guide:

1. Student works on task for the entire activity…………………………10 pts
2. Students correctly list biotic and abiotic factors…………………….10 pts
3. Detailed sketch is made of the area………………………………….10 pts
4. Student writes 10 line poem with 3 interactions……………………20 pts


Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.


Created: 11/14/2014
Updated: 11/29/2022
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