Biology Teaching Program
A Local Ecosystem
PRELIMINARY BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
This teaching program has been prepared as a starting point to assist teachers in the
creation of lesson plans, and is a suggested guide only.
It is not prescriptive, nor is it endorsed by the Board of Studies.
The program has been developed with reference to specific components of the syllabus,
and is intended to aid teachers in incorporating these components into their lessons.
References to syllabus points within the program are numbered for ease of reference:
these numbers correspond to the syllabus outline document ‘Numbered Syllabus
References’, which derives from the Board of Studies (NSW) Biology Stage 6 Syllabus
(Amended October 2002). Each number represents a bullet point from this document.
The order and content of lessons may require modification to suit the individual
requirements of teachers and students.
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
1
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Compare the abiotic
characteristics of aquatic and
terrestrial environments. (1)
Key Lesson Content



Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Define abiotic factors as
factors that are non-living
parts of the environment. For
example water, temperature
etc.
The distribution, diversity and numbers of plants and animals found in
ecosystems are determined by biotic and abiotic factors. (8.2.1)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)

Discussion

Textbook work – read
through pages stated in
references and complete
questions.
List and describe the abiotic
characteristics of both aquatic
and terrestrial environments.
Glossary
Scaffolds
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.5 pp. 13–16
Investigation 1 Parts A–F
pp. 34–7
(Part G to be completed in
Lesson 9.)
Look for similarities between
the environments.
Key Comps
References and Resources
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
1
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
2
Identify the factors determining
the distribution and abundance of
a species in each environment.
(2)
Key Lesson Content


Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
List the factors that affect the
distribution of plant and
animal species in aquatic and
terrestrial environments such
as availability of food and
shelter.
The distribution, diversity and numbers of plants and animals found in
ecosystems are determined by biotic and abiotic factors. (8.2.1)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)

Class discussion about
the limitations of the two
environments.
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition

Textbook work – read
through pages stated in
references and complete
questions.
(Specific)
Chapter 1.2 pp. 6–8
List the factors that affect the
abundance of plant and
animal species in aquatic and
terrestrial environments such
as competition and predation.
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
References and Resources
Reg
Chapter 1.4 pp. 12–13
(General)
Chapter 1.2–1.6 pp. 6–18
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
2
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
3
Describe the roles of
photosynthesis and respiration in
ecosystems. (3)

Recall the definitions of
photosynthesis and respiration.

Compare and contrast
photosynthesis and respiration.
Identify uses of energy by
organisms. (4)

Discuss the sources of energy
in the cycle of the ecosystem in
reference to photosynthesis and 
respiration.
Identify the general equation for
aerobic cellular respiration and
outline this as a summary of a
chain of biochemical reactions.
(5)
Key Lesson Content
The distribution, diversity and numbers of plants and animals found in
ecosystems are determined by biotic and abiotic factors. (8.2.1)

List the uses of energy by
organisms. For example, for
growth and repair, movement,
chemical reactions.

Write the word equation for
aerobic cellular respiration:

Discussion

Textbook work – read
through pages stated in
references and complete
questions.

References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.7 pp. 18–22
Class discussion
Construct a poster in
groups to show the
various cycles.
glucose + oxygen  water +
carbon dioxide + energy

Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Construct a light-to-plant-cells
energy transfer diagram/flow
chart including the processes
of photosynthesis and
respiration.
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
3
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
4
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Examine trends in population
estimates for some plant and
animal species within an
ecosystem. (7)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.3 pp. 8–11
(Refer to Investigation 3
p. 39, used in Lesson 12, and
Investigation 4 pp. 40–1,
used in Lesson 13.)
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
4
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
5
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Outline factors that affect
numbers in predator and prey
populations in the area studied.
(8)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.8 pp. 23–5
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
5
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
6
Identify examples of allelopathy,
parasitism, and commensalism in
an ecosystem and the role of
organisms in each type of
relationship. (9)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.3 pp. 22–5
Describe and explain the shortterm and long-term consequences
on the ecosystem of species
competing for resources. (15)
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
6
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
7
Describe the role of
decomposers in ecosystems. (10)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Explain trophic interactions
between organisms in an
ecosystem using food chains,
food webs and pyramids of
biomass and energy. (11)
Learning
Style
References and Resources
Chapter 1.7 pp. 18–22
Chapter 1.9 pp. 26–9
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
7
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
8
Define the term adaptation and
discuss the problems associated
with inferring characteristics of
organisms as adaptations for
living in a particular habitat. (12)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.1 pp. 2–6
Identify some adaptations of
living things to factors in their
environment. (13)
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
8
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
9
Identify and describe in detail
adaptations of a plant and an
animal from the local ecosystem.
(14)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.1 pp. 2–6
Investigation 1 Part G
pp. 37
(Parts A–F completed in
Lesson 1.)
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
9
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
10
Identify the impact of humans in
the ecosystem studied. (16)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.10 pp. 29–33
(Refer to Investigation 1 Part
G, completed in Lesson 9.)
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
10
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
11
Choose equipment or resources and
undertake a field study of a local
terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem to
identify data sources and:
-
-
-
-
-
Learning
Style
Key Lesson Content

Model transects
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Suggested activity:
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Field Excursion
measure abiotic variables in the
ecosystem being studied using
appropriate instruments and relate
this data to the distribution of
organisms
estimate the size of a plant
population and an animal
population in the ecosystem using
transects and/or random quadrats
collect, analyse and present data
to describe the distribution of the
plant and animal species whose
abundance has been estimated
describe two trophic interactions
found between organisms in the
area studied
identify data sources and gather,
present and analyse data by:
- tabulation of data collected in
the study
- calculation of mean values
with ranges
- graphing changes with time in
the measured abiotic data
- evaluating variability in
measurements made during
scientific investigations (17)
Evaluation
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
(This goes for a whole day
and would be equivalent to
four lessons.)
General:
Chapter 1, ‘Ecosystems’,
pp. 1–45.
(Revise material in references
used for previous lessons.)
Investigation 2 pp. 38–9
(Refer also to Investigation 1
Parts A–F, performed in
Lesson 1, and to Investigation
5, used in Lesson 15.)
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
11
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content

12
Model quadrats
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Field Excursion
(refer to Lesson 11)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Investigation 3 p. 39
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
12
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content

13
Compare the measurement of
distribution and abundance.
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Field Excursion
(refer to Lesson 11)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Investigation 4 pp. 40–1
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
13
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content

14
Identify a range of sampling
techniques such as quadrats
and transects. Compare and
contrast various sampling
techniques.
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Field Excursion
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
(refer to Lesson 11)
ICT
Values
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Process and analyse
information obtained from a
variety of sampling studies to
justify the use of different
sampling techniques to make
population estimates when
total counts cannot be
performed. (6, from 8.2.1)
Learning
Style
References and Resources
Chapter 1.3 pp. 8–11
General:
Chapter 1, ‘Ecosystems’,
pp. 1–45.
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
14
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
15
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
Gather information from firsthand and secondary sources to
construct food chains and food
webs to illustrate the
relationships between member
species in an ecosystem. (18)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1.9 pp. 26–9
Investigation 5 p. 41
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
15
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
16
Process and analyse information
and present a report of the
investigation of an ecosystem in
which the purpose is introduced,
the methods described and the
results shown graphically and use
available evidence to discuss
their relevance. (19)
Key Lesson Content
Each local aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem is unique. (8.2.2)
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)
References and Resources
Reg
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
Chapter 1, ‘Ecosystems’,
pp. 1–45.
(Refer to Investigations 1–5,
pp. 34–41 for suggestions on
how to plan, perform and
record this investigation.)
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
16
A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM – PRELIM BIOLOGY CORE MODULE 8.2
Lesson
Students Learn to (KNOW)
Key Lesson Content
ASSESSMENT LESSON
Teaching Strategies/
Learning Experiences (SKILLS)

17
References and Resources
Do Practice Examination
Questions from end of
chapter.
Biology in Context:
The Spectrum of Life
Second Edition
(Relevant test questions
from past papers could be
used to provide additional
material for assessment.)
Chapter 1, ‘Ecosystems’,
pp. 1–45
Reg
Practice Examination
Questions (Chapter 1)
pp. 42–45
Learning
Style
Evaluation
Informal
Ass
Outcomes
Key Comps
Glossary
Scaffolds
ICT
Values
Abor&I /
Multicultural
Gen/C&C/Work
Coordinator’s
Signature
17