Interactions Within Ecosystems
Grade 7 Science
BIG IDEAS...
- ecosystems are made up of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements, which depend on each other to survive
- ecosystems are in a constant state of change. The changes may be caused by nature or by human intervention
- human activities have the potential to alter the environment, as such, we must be aware of these impacts and try to control them
Learning Goal: I will be able to...
- demonstrate an understanding of interactions between and among biotic and abiotic elements in the environment.
Minds On...
Action!
Consolidate
Minds On...
Action...
Take out your textbook and turn to page 17. Let's read through The Roles of Producers together using SPIRIT READING!!
Rules of Spirit Reading:
1. You must feel the energy of those in your class.
2. Everyone must read at least once before you read again.
3. The minimum amount that you can read is one sentence. The maximum amount that you can read is one paragraph.
4. If you start reading when someone else starts reading you must read the first sentence together and then stop to allow someone else to read.
Consolidate
Quick Lab: How an Abiotic Element Affects Producers
Minds On...
Identify areas that receive over 2000 hours of sunlight annually. How could this make a difference to what kinds of plants would grow in these areas compared with areas that receive only 1600 hours of sunlight?
What general patterns do you notice as you look at the map?
Action...
Consolidate...
Complete the questions on page 22. Once completed, please submit to your teacher. You will be assessed on the quality of your answers.
Learning Goal: I will be able to complete a Science Lab
Success Criteria: I can...
- write my lab in proper format
Interactions in Ecosystems support the transfer of energy and the cycling of matter.
Minds On...
Take a look at the picture on page 34 in your text book. What are the main differences between the meadow in the foreground of the photo and the farmer's fields in the background?
Which of the fields is more important to your life and why?
Take a look at the map on page 36 Figure 2.2. How do each of those towns get the water that is needed for all people? What are all the uses of water needed?
What are some biotic and abiotic elements that would be found it the stream in Figure 2.1?
What role dos water play in that ecosystem?
ACTION...
As a class, let's read through the first three paragraphs on pages 36 - 37. In your notes record how and where water comes from to meet the needs of living things.
How may human activity affect the water systems in Oak Ridges Moraine?
Reflection: In your notes comment on whether or not you think human needs for water are more important than an ecosystem's need for water. Comment on what factors should be considered when making decisions that affect issues like this.
CONSOLIDATION...
Recycling Paper Quick Lab
Read through the quick lab with a partner and complete the lab that is found under the shared folder.
Homework: Chapter Review on page 32 questions 1- 4