The ecology module covers the concepts of the components and organization of an ecosystem, the flow of energy through living systems, biodiversity, and ecological succession. Students have the opportunity to guide their own learning with a variety of “knowledge objectives” in order to provide the necessary tools to stimulate critical thinking and the application of the necessary scientific levels.
Click on any icon to launch the unit of instruction.
SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW:
OVERVIEW
Brief description of the module, subject TEKS, NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, and knowledge objectives
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE: ECOSYSTEM ORGANIZATION
Describe and differentiate between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem | Describe the levels of organization in an ecosystem.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE: ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEMS
Define competition | Identify limiting factors and their impact on population size | Create food chain and food web diagrams | Analyze energy pyramids
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE: BIODIVERSITY
Explain the importance of biodiversity to an ecosystem and distinguish between areas of high and low biodiversity.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE: BIOMES
Describe the characteristics of earth’s major biomes.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE: ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
Differentiate between primary and secondary succession and describe how each one affects an ecosystem.
BACKPACK ADVENTURES
Science fiction story built upon factual science concepts
MAKE A NOTE OF THAT
Note-taking guides
MEET A SCIENTIST
Biography of a research pioneer in the topic area
PRACTICE
Mnemonic tools and digital games
REAL SCIENCE REVIEW
Guided simulated peer review of published research re-written for readability
SCIENTIST VIDEOS
Video presentation from a scientist in topic area
