Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Building Ecological Pyramids
Looking for a fresh take on traditional food/energy pyramids? Conduct an innovative activity where pupils build their own! The lesson uses research data from Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique for a real-life safari touch. Scholars...
Curated OER
Ecological Pyramids
Students apply the ecological pyramids of numbers and biomass with an activity using topographic maps. In this trophic level lesson, students work in groups using a topographic map to determine the number of organisms that can live in an...
Curated OER
Pond Ecology
A lab activity is a great way to incite thoughtful questioning and scientific processes. Pupils will collect organisms with a Petri dish, make observations, sketch the organism, ask questions, then attempt to identify the specimen...
Curated OER
Trophic Pyramids and Levels
The bulk of this lesson involves the construction of both an aquatic and a terrestrial ecosystem in which to observe trophic relationships. Detailed directions are provided, as well as discussion questions, and assessment activities....
Chicago Botanic Garden
Leaf Litter Ecology Lab
Some organisms spend their entire lives in leaf litter. The third in a series of six is a great lesson exploring the community of leaf litter. Groups gather and then spread leaf litter over white paper and remove leaves/twigs while...
Serendip
Food Webs, Energy Flow, Carbon Cycle, and Trophic Pyramids
The reintroduction of a species to an area doesn't always go as expected. Scholars learn about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park with a video, reading, and discussion questions. They complete a hands-on activity...
Curated OER
Ecology - Food Chains
Students discuss the concept of a food chain in the California ecosystem. in this food chain lesson plan, students look at different cards and sort them into herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, and omnivores. Then they use these cards...
Curated OER
Ecosystem Organization
Students examine the structure of ecosystems. In this ecology activity, students listen to a lecture on relationships among organisms and biomes. Students use the information to create ecosystem organization pyramids.
Curated OER
Predator-Prey Relationships
Students explore the interrelatedness of predators and prey in four different activities. They simulate an aquatic insect, fish, and osprey food chain during a poker chip game, play an M&M game to simulate the relationship between...
Curated OER
The Ghost of Populations Past
Students study population distribution and survivorship curves by collecting data regarding age of death of humans from either tombstones, newspapers, or other community resources. Students analyze data by creating graphs and population...
Curated OER
Human Populations Studies: the Ghost of Populations Past
Students compile data on population distribution and develop survivorship curves using information from cemetery tombstones and obituaries. They develop inferences on the changes in population age distribution in their area over time.
Curated OER
Predator and Prey Game
Students explore the why the balance among producers, predators and prey is necessary in order for an ecosystem to be sustained over time. Through web games and activities, they discover how each component of the food chain works to...
Curated OER
Predator-Prey Relationships
Students understand ecological systems. They provide experiences to assist citizens to increase their sensitivity and stewardship for the environment.
Curated OER
Indicator Species
Students explore the ecological foundation of India's and ways to save the forests, water and the India tiger. After a lecture on identifying a healthy forest and the importance of the animals, students participate in activities to...
Captain Planet Foundation
Energy Flow in the Garden
How can you tell what an owl has eaten? Study the food chain and flow of energy in an ecosystem by dissecting an owl pellet and noting the bones found inside. Additionally, the lesson plan includes a game about consumers and producers...
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Section Four: How Can We Protect Biodiversity?
Look into the future with a lesson plan on biodiversity and natural habitats. Learners read articles about different perspectives when it comes to planning future development, and decide which angle is the highest priority in a group...
Curated OER
Great Lakes Food Web
Students identify species and components of a Great Lakes food web. Using note cards, they place themselves in the correct order of the food chain based on the species present. They discuss what they believe happens to various species...
Curated OER
Biology: living Things and their Environment
Students recognize that organisms depend on other organisms. In this organism lesson, students understand symbiotic relationships and competition. Students explain food chains and food webs. Students understand that change is always...
Curated OER
Who Can Harvest A Walleye?
Seventh graders investigate the concept of how an ecosystem is put together while conducting research using a variety of resources. They correctly differentiate between a herbivore and carnivore by placing them in the order of hierarchy...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Energy Pyramids in Different Biome Locations
A research activity where students research the various biotic and abiotic factors that combine to make up a biome. The end product will be the creation of a PowerPoint presentation that identifies these factors and the creation of an...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Ecosystems
This module offers an in depth study of the fundamental components of ecosystems. Activities include mini-lessons with videos and student assignments.