Title: Exploring Interactions in Ecosystems

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Objective: Students will be able to understand the interactions between living and non-living things in an ecosystem.

Materials: - Pictures of different ecosystems (e.g. forest, ocean, desert) - Pictures of different animals and plants found in each ecosystem - Large poster board - Markers - Scissors - Glue - Construction paper - Magazines with pictures of animals and plants

Procedure:

1. Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about ecosystems. Write their responses on the board.

2. Show pictures of different ecosystems and ask students to identify the living and non-living things in each ecosystem.

3. Divide the class into small groups and give each group a picture of an ecosystem. Ask them to identify the living and non-living things in the ecosystem and make a list.

4. Give each group pictures of animals and plants found in their assigned ecosystem. Ask them to cut out the pictures and glue them onto the poster board.

5. Have each group present their poster to the class and explain the interactions between the living and non-living things in their ecosystem.

6. After all the groups have presented, ask the class to identify similarities and differences between the ecosystems.

7. Ask students to create their own ecosystem using construction paper and pictures from magazines. They should include both living and non-living things and explain the interactions between them.

Assessment: - Observe students during group work and presentations to assess their understanding of interactions in ecosystems. - Evaluate students’ individual ecosystem creations to assess their ability to apply their knowledge of ecosystems.

Extension: - Have students research a specific animal or plant and its role in an ecosystem. - Take a field trip to a local park or nature center to observe interactions in a real-life ecosystem.