Ecosystems and Biodiversity Lesson 3 : Ecosystems

Students first consider that there is a finite amount of matter on Earth and that life here is dependent on the continuous recycling and reuse of nutrients found in the planet’s air, water, and soil. Students then focus on how water is cycled within the environment. Students are introduced to the hydrologic cycle and then participate in an investigation related to transpiration. While it is recommended that the investigation in step 3 be completed outdoors, it may alternatively be completed indoors.

An extension lesson, Water Wonders (found on the MEECS Ecosystems & Biodiversity CD) is provided as an additional resource for further exploring the water cycle.

Students answer the essential questions: How is water recycled and reused in the environment? What is the importance of the water cycle to life on Earth?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/

Upper Elementary & Middle School (4-7)

Duration

60 minutes + additional time the following day for observations – Classroom setting

(Step 3 may be conducted indoors or outdoors)

Materials

per class

• Water Cycle (transparency master)

per small group

Part 1

• small amount of water in a cup

• cold mirror or classroom window

• a low power microscope, Discovery scope,

or a good hand lens (at least 10X)

• 1 Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Non-Game Wildlife Poster (Coastal Dunes, Wetlands, Michigan Forests, Jack Pine Forest, or Rivers) – teacher should laminate these before using

Part 3

• a healthy houseplant (only if staying indoors)

• transparent plastic bag (1-gallon size)

• 10-inch piece of string (or 6-inch twist-ties)

• measuring device for water (e.g., graduated cylinder)

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations

Science:

• Design and conduct scientific investigations. S.IP.04.13, S.IP.05.12, S.IP.06.12

• Describe the effect humans and other organisms have on the balance of the natural world. S.RS.04.18, S.RS.05.17, S.RS.06.17

• Explain the water cycle and describe how evaporation, transpiration, condensation, cloud formation, precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff, ground water, and absorption occur within the cycle. E.ES.07.81

Social Studies:

• Describe the environmental effects of human action on the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. 6-G5.1.1