Subject: S8LT-IVi22
Grade Level: Grade 8
Objective: Describe the transfer of energy through the trophic levels.
Learning across the curriculum:
1. Science - Food chains and ecosystems
2. Mathematics - Calculating energy transfer efficiency
3. English - Writing a persuasive essay on the importance of maintaining balanced trophic
levels
Engage:
1. Show a video clip of a predator-prey interaction in a natural ecosystem and ask students to
discuss what they observe.
2. Conduct a class discussion on the importance of energy transfer in ecosystems and how it
affects the balance of nature.
3. Present a real-life scenario where the trophic levels are disrupted, such as the introduction
of an invasive species, and ask students to brainstorm the potential consequences.
Explore:
Activity 1: Energy Pyramid Game
Materials: Index cards, markers, stopwatch
Instructions:
1. Divide students into groups of 4-5.
2. Provide each group with index cards and markers.
3. Instruct each group to create a set of index cards representing different organisms found in
a specific ecosystem.
4. Assign energy values to each organism card based on their position in the food chain.
5. Have groups arrange their cards to form an energy pyramid.
6. Start the stopwatch and have groups take turns removing organisms from the pyramid.
7. Each time an organism is removed, the group must calculate the energy transfer efficiency
by dividing the energy of the organism removed by the energy of the previous organism.
8. The group with the highest energy transfer efficiency at the end wins.
Rubric:
- Correct calculation of energy transfer efficiency (10 points)
- Accurate representation of energy pyramid (10 points)
Assessment Questions:
1. Why is energy transfer efficiency important in maintaining balanced trophic levels?
2. What factors can affect the energy transfer efficiency in an ecosystem?
Activity 2: Role Play - Trophic Levels in Action
Materials: Costumes or props (optional)
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into groups of 3-4.
2. Assign each group a specific trophic level (producer, primary consumer, secondary
consumer, etc.).
3. Instruct each group to create a short skit or role play that demonstrates the transfer of
energy from one trophic level to another.
4. Encourage students to be creative and include interactions between the different trophic
levels.
Rubric:
- Clear demonstration of energy transfer between trophic levels (10 points)
- Creativity in skit or role play (10 points)
Assessment Questions:
1. How does the role play demonstrate the transfer of energy through the trophic levels?
2. What are some challenges that can occur in the transfer of energy between trophic levels?
Activity 3: Energy Flow Diagram
Materials: Chart paper, markers, stickers or cut-out images of organisms
Instructions:
1. Divide students into pairs.
2. Provide each pair with chart paper and markers.
3. Instruct each pair to create an energy flow diagram that shows the transfer of energy
through the trophic levels in a specific ecosystem.
4. Students should use stickers or cut-out images of organisms to represent each trophic level.
5. Encourage students to label the arrows in the diagram with the amount of energy
transferred.
Rubric:
- Clear representation of energy flow through trophic levels (10 points)
- Accurate labeling of energy transfer amounts (10 points)
Assessment Questions:
1. How does the energy flow diagram represent the transfer of energy through the trophic
levels?
2. What are the advantages of using a diagram to visualize energy flow in an ecosystem?
Explain:
1. Teacher-led lecture on the concept of trophic levels and energy transfer, using visual aids
and real-life examples.
2. Group discussion on the impact of human activities on trophic levels and the consequences
of disrupting energy transfer in ecosystems.
Elaborate:
1. Field trip to a local ecosystem to observe and analyze the trophic levels and energy
transfer.
2. Research project on a specific ecosystem, where students investigate the trophic levels and
energy transfer within it and present their findings to the class.
Evaluate:
1. Conduct a quiz that includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions related to the
transfer of energy through the trophic levels.
2. Assign a project where students create a poster or infographic that illustrates the concept of
energy transfer in different ecosystems.
Assignment:
Write a reflection essay on the importance of maintaining balanced trophic levels in
ecosystems. Include examples of how disruptions in energy transfer can impact the stability
and biodiversity of an ecosystem.