Students will be able to:

1. Describe how the Great Lakes make Michigan a unique place on Earth.

2. Describe the basic requirements for all living things to maintain their existence.

3. Identify and describe examples of populations, communities, and ecosystems found within Michigan, including the Great Lakes.

4. Given a Michigan ecosystem, recognize the biotic (living) components (plants, animals, microorganisms) and the abiotic (nonliving) components (e.g. sunlight, air, water, heat, soil).

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations 

Science:

• List examples of populations, communities, and ecosystems including the Great Lakes region. L.EC.06.11

• Identify the living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components of an ecosystem. L.EC.06.31

• Describe how human beings are part of the ecosystem of the Earth and that human activity can purposefully, or accidentally, alter the balance in ecosystems. L.EC.06.41

Social Studies:

• Explain how and why ecosystems differ as a consequence of differences in latitude, elevation, and human activities. 6 – G3.2.1

• Identify ecosystems and explain why some are more attractive for humans to use than are others. 6 – G3.2.2