Energy and the Ecosystem

Introduction

Hello scientists! Welcome to your Webquest. In order to be successful with this activity, make sure to follow the process carefully and have fun!

Task

Students, you will be taking an online journey to discover a variety of ecological concepts, such as how energy flows through food webs and understanding trophic levels. You will create a Google Slideshow to show presentation on each trophic level and illustrate a food web.

Your slideshow must contain the following:

1. Examples and definitions of the following vocabulary words:

  • Autotrophs
  • Heterotrophs
  • Herbivores
  • Carnivores
  • Omnivores
  • Decomposers
  • Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Consumers

2. Illustrate an example of your own food web to show how energy is transferred from one organism to the next.

3. On the last slide, summarize your new learning in a short paragraph.

 

Lesson objectives:

MS-LS2-2. Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems. 

MS-LS2-3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. 

Process

1. Watch Understanding Ecosystems

2. Watch Food Webs and Energy Pyramids

3. Watch Autotrophs vs Heterotrophs

4. Watch Trophic Levels: Energy Flow in Ecosystems

4. Use a graphic organizer to take notes on the following vocabulary:

  • Autotrophs
  • Heterotrophs
  • Herbivores
  • Carnivores
  • Omnivores
  • Decomposers
  • Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Consumers

5. Play The Food Web Game

Draw an example of one of the food chains that you completed in this game. Add to your notes.

6. Play Food Web Builder

7.  Learn about the 10% Energy Rule in a Food Chain on Study.com and take the quiz to test your knowledge!

Now, you are ready to begin your Google Slideshow Presentation!

 

 

Evaluation

   Google Slideshow Rubric
 

             1

                2

              3                  4
Information Student did not include enough information and demonstrates little understanding of the content. Summary does not reflect mastery of subject. Student missing a few elements and some descriptions and labels are incorrect. Summary lacks in detail. Students included most elements listed with clear descriptions. Summary shows a good understanding of the subject. Student included all required elements (vocabulary, definitions, examples) and a detailed food web (labeled). Summary is well-written and clearly shows understanding of the subject.
Mechanics Many noticeable errors in spelling and grammar which make the text unclear. Many errors in spelling and grammar affect the meaning of the text. Very few errors in spelling or grammar. No errors in spelling or grammar.
Overall Appearance Elements on the slide were not used effectively. Elements are not easily read. Most elements are easily seen or read but may be missing a few elements (i.e. graphics).

Elements are easily seen and read. Some elements of design used.

 All elements are easily seen or read. Elements of design are effective.

 

Credits

Rubric:

How Google slides can inspire student creativity. (n.d.). The Tech Tutory. Retrieved from https://www.tech                  -tutory.com/google-slides-student-creativity/