Item description
This engaging unit helps students learn concepts associated with Ecosystems, food chains and webs through inquiry-based activities. This unit covers these NGSS standards for 5th Grade:
5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
5-PS3-1. Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
If you don’t use NGSS, this unit is appropriate for grades 4-7.
Activities included:
•Activity 1: What’s For Dinner?: Students trace their dinner back down the food chain to its source.
•Activity 2: Informational reading about Food Chains and webs. followed by questions.
•Activity 3: Making Chains: Students work cooperatively to sort animal cards into chains.
•Activity 4: This Tangled Web We Weave: Students investigate how food chains overlap to create webs.
•Activity 5: Earth’s Spheres informational reading and questions.
•Activity 6: Pass The Energy: This engaging activity allows students to see how different ecosystems can only support so many organisms
•Activity 7: What Happens When Living Things Die?: Students will observe fruits and vegetables decomposing over time.
• Activity 8: Order In The Forest: This 2-part activity lets students work cooperatively to learn about important vocabulary associated with this unit.
•Activity 9: Ecosystems Bingo: Students play ecosystems bingo to review the unit.
•Word Wall Cards and Games
•Post Test and Grading Rubric (2 options)