Latest update February 18th, 2016 8:17 PM
Feb 15, 2016 SOS2014 Lesson Plans 0
This unit is designed to be used after teaching classification of animals and plants and as a review and extension of fourth grade GLE’s in preparation for the MAP. This lesson focuses on the
introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem and the effects. My goal is for students to understand that the plants and animals that are found in a particular location are referred to as an ecosystem. These plants and animals depend on each other to survive. In a delicate balance, these life forms help to sustain one another in regular patterns. Disruptions to an ecosystem can be disastrous to all organisms within the ecosystem. As an example, consider what happens when a new plant or animal is introduced into an ecosystem, where it did not before exist. The new organism competes with the natural organisms from that location for available resources. These unnatural strangers can push other organisms out, causing them to become extinct. This can then affect still other organisms that depended on the extinct organism as a source of food. By reviewing the relationships of organisms that feed on one another, students begin to see how all organisms— including humans—are linked. If students understand the relationships in a simple food chain, they will better understand the importance and sensitivity of these connections, and why changes to one part of the food chain almost always impact another.
Students will be engaged in simulations and activities that show the impact of invasive species in an ecosystem. The unit includes informal questioning, class discussions, formative and summative assessments. These assessments are used to guide and re-evaluate teaching as needed to ensure that all learning meets the needs of the students.
Grade Level: 5th
Feb 18, 2016 0
Feb 17, 2016 0
Feb 15, 2016 0
Feb 15, 2016 0
Feb 18, 2016 0
Feb 17, 2016 0
Feb 15, 2016 0
Feb 15, 2016 0