8th Grade Science Guide

8.3: Ecology 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 3

Objective

Overview

Materials

● Students simulate organisms in an ecosystem to show interconnectedness of all animals.

● Lab

● I can identify and analyze connections and roles between organism in an ecosystem.

Activity: Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem - Inquiry Lab

Objective

Overview

Materials

● I can make connections between ecosystem changes and the stability of cycling matter between living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. ● I can describe evaluate how changes in an ecosystem affect the fow of energy through the carbon cycle.

● Students will use a model of a commons area (the ocean) to see what it takes to maintain a sustainable harvest of fsh.

● Lab ● Toothpicks

The best part is that the only materials required are a lot of toothpicks!

Activity: The Biosphere & Nutrient Cycles in the Ecosystem

Objective

Overview

Materials

● I can identify and

● Have students watch the lesson about the carbon cycle, complete the Think, Dig Deeper sections. A Ted account is needed to access all of the additional materials, but is a free account. ● Students read an article about the Biosphere and Nutrient Cycling.

● Video ● Newsela Article ● Graphic Organizer

describe the carbon cycle including the connections between photosynthesis and respiration.

Activity: Human & Natural Change to Ecosystems

Objective

Overview

Materials

● I can make connections between ecosystem

●

● Article - “ Artifcial light is playing havoc over Earth

Have students brainstorm different things that can