Science Newsletter 9/13/15 Dear Families, This week, our class will move from the more general information about the large systems in nature, biomes, and begin to delve into how individual ecosystems are organized. We will also investigate the needs of individual organisms and the factors that affect their populations. This information can be found in Chapter 20 of our textbook. These studies will include the following topics/objectives: Living Things and the Environment GA Performance Standards: S7L4: Students will examine the dependence of organisms on one another and their environments. S7L4.c: Recognize that changes in environmental conditions can affect the survival of both individuals and entire species. Identify the needs that must be met by an organism’s surroundings. Describe the levels of organizations within an ecosystem. Explain the causes of changes in population size. Identify factors that limit population growth. Next Assessment Dates: Type/Content: Formative: (40%): Ecology Vocabulary Quiz (Terms listed, below) Date: 9-18-15 Students will be reviewing in class and may use the textbook for preparation (Chapter 20, Sections 1 & 2). Students have been issued either a hard copy or a CD of our textbook, and it is available online, as well. Please see my website for directions to the online textbook. Type/Content: Summative: (60%): Date: TBA Vocabulary List for this Week: ecology, habitat, population, population density, community, limiting factor, carrying capacity, organism, species, birth rate, death rate, immigration and emigration My website contains weekly updates and a variety of resources to support your child’s learning. Please visit my website at: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/Domain/2121 Thank you for your support. V. Russell