Ecosystems and Biodiversity Lesson 3 : Ecosystems (view)
Units included with this Open Author resource:
- 3A : Nature's Recycling!
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- Learning goals:
- 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?
- Keywords:
- MEEcs, Environment, Environmental
- Overview
- Objectives
- Advance Preparation
- Background Information
- Procedure
- Assessment Options
- Adaptations/Extensions/Enhancements
- References
- Additional Resources
- 3B : Photosynthesis and the Carbon Cycle
- Overview
- Objectives
- Advance Preparation
- Background Information
- Procedure
- Assessment Options
- Adaptations/Extensions/Enhancements
- References
- Additional Resources
- 3C : Decomposition
- Overview
- Objectives
- Advance Preparation
- Background Information
- Procedure
- Assessment Options
- Adaptations/Extensions/Enhancements
- References
- Additional Resources
Summary
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.