Curated OER
Counting Animal Populations
Students learn how to count animal populations by the Mark and Recapture method. In this counting animal populations lesson plan, students begin by predicting amounts of different candies in a jar. Students then simulate using beans, two...
Curated OER
Forest Fires
Learners discuss the benefits and problems associated with fire. They discuss the role that fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Students brainstorm ways that fire can be harmful, such as damaging homes, communities, and...
Curated OER
Finding Out About The Forest
Middle schoolers investigate a local forest ecosystem and discover the biotic and abiotic parts of the forest. Students observe the groundcover, understory, and canopy layers as well as collect leaves and bark in order to identify trees...
Curated OER
Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors
Students share their prior knowledge of the elements of the environment. In groups, they are introduced to the concepts of biotic and abiotic factors in a specific environment. They discover their effects on organisms living in the...
Curated OER
Ecosystems: Can I Help?
Students study how some activities effect the environment and ecosystems.
Curated OER
Math and Science in a Wetland
Students describe safe practice when doing field and lab investigations in a estuary or wetland. They create a model of an estuary and describe their value and function. They participate in field study in which they collect and analyze...
Curated OER
Urban Safari: A Walk on the Wild Side
Young scholars discover the urban ecosystem through a series of activities. They explore both the biotic and abiotic factors of the urban environment.
Curated OER
Math and Science in a Wetland
Learners use scientific methods during field and lab investigations. Students collect specimens and make measurements using the metric system. Learners describe biotic and abiotic factors in an estuary and design a model.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: What Is Ecology?
A webpage giving an overview of ecology. Learn about the biotic and abiotic factors that make up an ecosystem as well as the different levels of ecology.
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: Facts About Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
Explains what autotrophs and heterotrophs are, the several types of each, their roles in an ecosystem's food chains, and the differences between them.