Earth Systems
Explore a variety of habitats looking for examples of interactions within and between the various spheres.
NGSS: Earth’s Systems ESS2.A
- Systems Scavenger Hunt
Through an interactive scavenger hunt, where data is collected and recorded, students discover that the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere interact in many different ways. They are able to see first hand interactions both within a system and between various systems. Students will gain an understanding of the components of each system and how they can interact.
Fall or Spring – Outdoors, Length: 2 hours
Ecosystem Essentials
Combine in-class presentations with hiking experiences and an interactive model to study the dynamic relationships between the biotic and abiotic features found in all ecosystems.
NGSS: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems PS3.D, LS1.C, LS2.A, LS2.B
EL: Biodiversity in the Rainforest
- Intro to Ecosystem Structures
As a prelude to the field trip, students are introduced to the structures of an ecosystem; learning about the types, features and interactions that can be found in any ecosystem.
Any time of year – In classroom, Length: 1 hour - Predator Prey Model
This guided simulation activity is designed to model the interdependent relationships in an ecosystem. Through the course of an active simulation, students gain an understanding of the predator/prey relationship that animals exhibit in both a forest and field ecosystem. Students are assigned a role in the food web, conduct the simulation by becoming their animal, and assess factors affecting their survival at the end of the game. The program wraps up with a group discussion on changes in an environment that may be helpful to some organisms and harmful to others.
Any time of year – Outdoors, Length: 2 hours
- Intro to Tracks & Signs 1.0
Students learn the basic skills of the art of tracking and investigate samples of prints, scat, and other signs.
Winter – In classroom, Length: 1 hour
- Tracks & Signs of Ecosystem Interactions
Students explore outdoors to discover evidence of ecosystem interactions through the tracks and signs that animals leave behind.
Winter – Outdoors, Length: 1 – 2 hours