Online

Food Web Unit, Project FLOW (Fisheries Learning on the Web), Michigan Sea Grant

A series of five lessons designed for grades 4-8, introduces the concepts of aquatic food chains and food webs. Activities demonstrate that all living organisms in an ecosystem are connected and that this structure is sensitive to change, including how invasive species may affect foodwebs. Retrieved July 11, 2018, from http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/michu/michue08004.pdf

Food Webs (VHS or DVD), Episodes 26. Bill Nye The Science Guy. Disney Educational Productions. (1995).

In this 26-minute video, Bill Nye demonstrates how all living things depend on other living things to survive. Find out how to purchase this video from the following web site: http://www.billnye.com. Retrieved July 20, 2005.

Michigan Ag in the Classroom, Michigan Farm Bureau

The Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) program is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. The web site provides resources and lessons to teachers looking for lessons related to agriculture in Michigan. Retrieved July 11, 2018, from https://www.michfb.com/MI/Education_and_Leadership

For Students

TechAlive Ecosystems Modules – The Great Lakes

Developed as a support to the MEECS Ecosystems & Biodiversity Unit, these interactive, online learning modules provide virtual tours to some of Michigan’s ecosystems (forests, wetlands, rivers/streams, coastal dunes, and Great Lakes) and the issues surrounding them. The Great Lakes Module, in particular, focuses on the role of producers, consumers, and decomposers in the Great Lakes food web. Retrieved July 12, 2005, from http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec_index.htm

“Chain Reaction Game,” Eco-Kids (Earth Day Canada)

EcoKids is Earth Day Canada’s environmental education program for youth. The web site contains hands-on activities, including a variety of interactive student-friendly games. Visit the homepage at http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm, or go straight to a game related to foodchains (called “Chain Reaction”) by visiting http://www.ecokidsonline.com/pub/eco_info/topics/frogs/chain_reaction/index.cfm# (both retrieved August 30, 2005).

“Fish Food Game,” Ranger Rick Magazine (National Wildlife Federation)

To play a student-friendly game related to foodchains, (called “Fish Food”), visit the National Wildlife Federation homepage at www.nwf.org, and click on “Ranger Rick,” and then “Fun and Games” (retrieved August 30, 2005).

“Food Web” Game, Scholastic Magazine

To play a student-friendly game related to foodwebs, visit the Scholastic Magazine web site at http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/games_quizzes/index.asp (retrieved August 30, 2005)

In Print

Council for Environmental Education. (2003). Project WILD: K-12 Activity Guide. Bethesda, MD: Council for Environmental Education. One suggested activity from this book is “Owl Pellets,” in which students dissect owl pellets and study the related food chain/food web. For ordering information, see http://www.projectwild.org/

Hogan, K. (1994). Eco-Inquiry: A Guide to Ecological Learning Experiences for the Upper Elementary/ Middle Grades. Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co. Designed for upper elementary and middle school grades, this curriculum resource focuses on food webs, decomposition, and nutrient cycling.

Related Children’s Literature

Jenkins, S. (1997). What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You? Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Lauber, P. (1996). Who Eats What? Food Chains and Food Webs (Let’s Read-And-Find-Out). New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Morpurgo, M., and C. Birmingham (illustrator). (2000). The Silver Swan. New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books.