Lesson Title: Exploring Ecosystems

Learning Intention: To understand the concept of ecosystems and the interdependence of living organisms within them.

Success Criteria: - Identify different components of an ecosystem - Explain the relationships between living organisms in an ecosystem - Demonstrate understanding through completion of a worksheet

Introduction: Begin the lesson by asking the students what they know about ecosystems. Discuss the definition of an ecosystem and provide examples of different types of ecosystems (e.g. rainforest, ocean, desert).

Main Part of the Lesson: 1. Introduce the concept of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem. 2. Show examples of food chains and food webs within an ecosystem. 3. Discuss the importance of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. 4. Provide the students with a worksheet where they have to identify the different components of an ecosystem and draw a food chain.

Plenary: Review the key concepts of the lesson by asking students to share what they have learned about ecosystems. Discuss any questions or misconceptions that may have arisen during the lesson.

Differentiation: - Provide visual aids and diagrams for visual learners - Offer additional support for struggling students during the completion of the worksheet - Challenge advanced students to create their own food webs for a specific ecosystem

Assessment Strategies: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during discussions - Review completed worksheets to assess understanding of ecosystem concepts

Higher Order Thinking Questions: 1. How do changes in one part of an ecosystem affect other organisms within the ecosystem? (Analyzing) 2. Why is it important to protect biodiversity in ecosystems? (Evaluating) 3. How might human activities impact the balance of an ecosystem? (Creating)