Introduction

Ecosystems are all around us: from the living community of our playgrounds to our beaches to the lush rain forests of our world. We will examine a variety of ecosystems to find out more about these wondrous areas on planet Earth and how/if humans are changing them.

The Task

You and your group will use the Internet and other resources (shared reads, short stories etc.) to examine one ecosystem. Take notes during your exploration, as this new information should be used to create your finished products.

1.    Explore all aspects of your ecosystem: plants, animals, land, water, climate, etc.

2.    Your ecosystem will be found in several areas of Earth. Where are some of the larger ones located?

3.    How do the natural characteristics of your ecosystem affect plant and animal life? How have living things adapted to live there?

4. Have human beings changed, damaged, or destroyed this natural ecosystem? How?

ARE ECOSYSTEMS ENDANGERED? 

 You Will Need to Complete the Following:

1.    You and a partner will create a power point presentation which will be shared with others.

2.  Each child will create a travel brochure about their ecosystem which encourages people to travel there. Highlight the best points of the ecosystem in it. Make it creative and colorful!

3.    As a language arts tie-in, each student will read a short story from the list provided. Write a reader response to the story. In your writing, please discuss how the natural setting affects the plot or story line.

4.    Make it real! During your research, think about how humans affect the natural balance of plants and animals on  Earth. Write a real letter to a person, government agency or company responsible for changing this fragile balance. Try to persuade them to change their policies. Include details to support your position. These letters will be mailed.

          Some suggestions:

                   U.S. Congress               logging company

                   seafood company        auto makers (pick one)

                   desert or other land development corporation

Conclusion

Finally, we will share our findings from this Unit with others. Your research, sharing, and work should provide you with a better understanding of the ecosystems around you. We will also find out what part we all play in living in this very complicated and wonderful world!

Online Resources

Back to Homepage