Chapter 22 Ecosystems and Biomes
Producer, Consumer, Decomposer Introduction Activity
Each student will take the role of either a producer, consumer, or a decomposer. Next they will answer a few questions over their role, where does their energy come from, where are they located on a food chain..... Then they will form groups of three: one producer, one consumer, one decomposer. In their groups they will share their information on their role, and finally they will have to come to a final conclusion on which of them is the most important role in an ecosystem. They will hopefully begin to see that all of them are necessary to create the continuous reuse of matter in the ecosystem.
Section One - Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Students will learn more information about the three roles (producer, consumer, decomposer) organisms can play in an ecosystem. Next we will quickly review food chains and the passage of energy. We then move on to food webs and discuss how they are a more realistic way to trace the path of energy through producers, consumers, and decomposers. Finally we will look at the actual percentage (10%) of energy passed in an energy pyramid as you move from level to level, students will learn that as you work your way up the pyramid less and less energy is available and this is why there are not many 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th level consumers.
Section Two - Cycles of Matter
To help students understand some of the recycling that takes place in an ecosystem, students will learn about 4 Cycles Matter: The Water Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Oxygen Cycle, and Nitrogen Cycle. In the Water Cycle we will look at state changes that take place along with the temperature changes that must occur for the molecules to change their state. Students will extend their knowledge way back from Photosynthesis on how oxygen and carbon rely on each other, and also how humans are being impacted by the destruction of forests around the world. Finally students will learn what the Nitrogen Cycle is, who uses nitrogen, and who would be impacted if it was not present.
Section Three - Biogeography
Students will study how the movement of the continents has affected the distribution of different species. We will start 225 million years ago with Pangaea and work our way up to the layout of earth today. Students will then learn about the three ways an organism can be dispersed: wind, water, or by other living things. Lastly we will look at some of the factors that can limit the dispersal of a species: physical barriers, competition, and climate.
Section Four - Biomes and Aquatic Ecosystems
This section will be our LARGE chapter project. Each group of 4-5 students will choose one of the following biomes to research:Temperate Rain Forest,
Please see below for requirements.
Web Site Information Requirements:
1.
General
description of ecosystem/biome.
-“What is this ecosystem like?”
-“Are there layers, different types, parts, levels?”
2.
Where
in the world is your ecosystem found?
3.
What
is the climate like?
-Yearly average rainfall
-Temperature average (coldest and warmest months)
-Soil types
-Landforms
4. Animal Life – Give examples of animals living there.
5. Plant Life– Give examples of plants living there.
6. Bibliography including 5 sources
Diorama Components:
1.
Should
be large enough to display at least
one complete food chain including both animal and plant life.
2. Should display accurate
background or landforms commonly found in your ecosystem.
