Unit # 1
2.1 The Transfer of Energy in Ecosystems
pp. 38 – 40
Monday, October 15, 2012
Learning Goals:
◊ I can describe how energy is transferred in the ecosystem through a food chain,
◊ I understand how groups are connected in the food chain.
◊ I understand how energy is increased or decreased in the food chain.
Energy Transfer
Food chains show ________________________________________________
Term
Description
Picture to help me
understand
Primary
consumers
Secondary
consumers
Tertiary
consumers
Energy Pyramids
An energy pyramid shows___________________________________________
Example of an energy pyramid
(page 39)
Food Webs
A food web shows ________________________________________________
Example of a food web:
Your job: Answer Question # 1-5 on a lined paper. Don’t forget the title and date.
Unit # 1
2.2 Cycling Matter
pp. 33 – 44
_________, October
, 2012
Learning Goals:
◊ I can describe how decomposers break down organic matter in order to recycle
basic elements.
◊ I can identify carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms as basic elements of matter
that are cycled in ecosystems.
◊I can describe cycling interactions and how they change our ecosystem.
Cycling Organic Matter
Cycling matter is ___________________________________________________
Benefits of cycling matter:
Changes Resulting from Cycling Matter
Example of the cycling of matter in an ecosystem (page 45).
Unit # 1
2.3 Interactions and Changes in the Ecosystem
pp. 48 – 44 54
Monday, October 22, 2012
Learning Goals:
◊ I can describe how changes in the supply of resources will disrupt the interactions in an ecosystem.
◊ I can identify examples of changes in resources in an ecosystem and explain how they can threaten
the survival of biotic elements in an ecosystem.
A_____ f____, __________, _____________, and s__________, are all factors
that control or limit the number of health of biotic elements in an ecosystem is called
_________________. (page 48)
Why Ecosystems Change: (page 49)
1. Flow of energy and the cycling of matter.
2. ______________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________
Change is ________ happening in the ecosystem!
Bio invasion (page 49-50)
Bioinvasion is a term used to describe ___________________________________
________________________________________________________.(page 49)
Types of Species
Native species
Description
Picture Example
Introduced species
Invasive species
Competition (page 50)
What is competition? Competition is ____________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Sustainability
RECAP – Things we have learned so far….!
Draw a summary of the following concepts.
Producers
Page 18
Consumers
Page 24
Decomposers
Page 26
Interaction
Energy
transfer
Page 39
Cycling of
matter
Page 44
Competition
Page 50
Bioinvasion
Page 49
A 26 Lab: Problem Solving Activity – Redesign a Package
(page 46)
Skills you will use
■ Identifying a problem
■ Re - Designing, creating/ building
Recognize a Need: Most goods sold in Canada must be shipped long distances. The goods
must arrive in perfect condition and often require a lot of label information. Most packaging
ends up as waste in landfills or ecosystems. If it is not made of organic matter, decomposers
cannot break it down.
Problem: How can you make a secure package that can be broken down by decomposers?
Criteria for Success: Your model addresses the following issues:
■ the package can be broken down by decomposers
■ labeling requirements (required customer information) are met
■ goods in the package are not damaged in transit
■ the package is appealing to customers
Brainstorm Ideas
1. Research the packaging for any one of the items listed. Answer the following questions:
How is the item protected?
How is it transported?
How is it sold?
What happens to the packaging?
2. What is the impact of the packaging on the environment?
Can decomposers break it down?
How long will it take?
3. What packaging alternatives would be better for the environment?
Build a Model
4. Create a package that meets the criteria for success but at the same time reduces the
amount of packaging that would end up
as waste.
My Package Idea:
Test and Evaluate
5. Using your new package, transport your item along the hall and up or down the stairs to
another floor at the other end of the school using a custodian’s two-wheeled device to
transport it.
Did your package meet the criteria for success?
6. Share and compare your ideas and findings with your classmates’ plans and findings. Did
anyone have ideas exactly like yours?
Similar to yours?
Completely different from yours?
How do your results compare with theirs?