Week 1: Introduction to Ecology and Ecosystems

Day 1: Introduction to Ecology - Introduction to the course and expectations - Definition of ecology and its importance - Discussion of the different levels of ecological organization (individual, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere) - Activity: Students will create a concept map of the different levels of ecological organization

Day 2: Ecosystems and Biomes - Definition of ecosystems and biomes - Discussion of the different types of biomes (tundra, taiga, temperate forest, tropical rainforest, grasslands, desert) - Activity: Students will research and present on a specific biome, including its climate, flora, and fauna

Day 3: Field Trip to a Local Ecosystem - Visit a local ecosystem (such as a park or nature reserve) - Observe and document the different species present in the ecosystem - Activity: Students will create a food web of the ecosystem they visited

Week 2: Biodiversity and Human Impact

Day 1: Biodiversity - Definition of biodiversity and its importance - Discussion of the different types of biodiversity (species diversity, genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity) - Activity: Students will research and present on a specific endangered species and its conservation efforts

Day 2: Human Impact on Ecosystems - Discussion of the different ways humans impact ecosystems (deforestation, pollution, climate change, overfishing, etc.) - Activity: Students will research and present on a specific human impact on an ecosystem and its consequences

Day 3: Field Trip to a Local Restoration Site - Visit a local restoration site (such as a wetland or forest restoration project) - Observe and document the restoration efforts and the species present - Activity: Students will participate in a restoration activity, such as planting native species or removing invasive species

Week 3: Sustainability and Conservation

Day 1: Sustainability - Definition of sustainability and its importance - Discussion of the different ways to achieve sustainability (renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, etc.) - Activity: Students will research and present on a specific sustainability initiative and its impact

Day 2: Conservation - Definition of conservation and its importance - Discussion of the different types of conservation (in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, habitat conservation, species conservation) - Activity: Students will research and present on a specific conservation effort and its impact

Day 3: Final Project and Reflection - Students will work in groups to create a sustainability plan for their school or community - Each group will present their plan to the class - Reflection on the course and its impact on the students’ understanding of ecology and their role in conservation efforts.