Introduction
Have you ever noticed that animal interactions in the wild can have very different outcomes? Sometimes both organisms benefit, while other times one benefits and the other is harmed or completely unbothered. Think about a predator and its prey, or bees visiting flowers. Depending on the relationship, these interactions can help, hurt, or make no difference at all to the organisms involved.
In this WebQuest, you will become a Symbiotic Relationship Investigator. Your goal is to discover the different types of symbiotic relationships, find real world examples of each, and uncover how these partnerships impact all the organisms involved!
Task
You will work with a partner to discover the different forms of symbiotic relationships found in nature.
Once you have read through the provided resources, you will create a model (digital or physical) to represent these relationships and show how they impact each organism and their environment.
Your model must include:
- At least 2 to 3 real world examples for every type of symbiotic relationship.
- Clear explanations showing whether each organism in the relationship is benefiting (+), harmed (-), or unbothered (0).
- Discuss how these relationships affect the organisms involved beyond just a simple benefit or harm.
- Give details on how the relationship impacts the organisms in both the short term (immediate survival, energy, or protection) and the long term (health, reproduction, or lifespan).
Your model should be:
- Easy to follow: Clear, organized, and simple to understand.
- Detailed: Filled with enough interesting facts and examples to spark discussion and questions from your peers.
- Creative: Express your knowledge in a unique way!
Process
First, work with a partner to read through the FlexBooks lessons linked below. As you read together, take good notes. Pay close attention to the different forms of symbiotic relationships discussed in the text, as well as the real world examples provided for each type. I will also attach additional resources to support you as you work.
Once you finish reading, you and your partner will create a model form of your choice to demonstrate your knowledge. Your model must show:
- The different types of symbiotic relationships
- Real world examples of each
- How each relationship impacts all the organisms involved
Finally, you will present your model to the class! Your classmates will have a chance to ask questions, share if they agree or disagree with your findings, and give helpful suggestions on how to improve your model.
Lesson on Flexbooks:
Video by Generation Genius:
National Geographic Article:
Evaluation
Criteria:
- Depth & Accuracy: Correct information and deep explanation of each symbiotic relationship, including how organisms are affected in the short and long term (and any impacts on the environment).
- Examples: Including the required 2 to 3 examples for each relationship type.
- Model Design & Display: How clearly and creatively your model presents the information.
- Clarity & Coherence: Making sure your model and presentation are organized, logical, and easy for your classmates to follow.
You will be graded on each of these categories based on how well you meet the expectations, or if areas need improvement.
- Based on class feedback, you will be able to make corrections, add more details, and update your model to improve your final grade.
Conclusion
You have completed your Symbiotic Relationships activity. Through this WebQuest, you learned about the different forms of symbiosis and how these partnerships affect the organisms involved in both the short and long term. You explored articles and videos to dive deep into the concept and expand your science knowledge!
Now that you have completed your assignment, I have one final question to finish off the lesson:
Exit Ticket Question: What are some examples of symbiotic relationships in your own life? Think about your everyday experiences such as interacting with pets, friends, family, or even microbes! Share your response with a classmate and turn it in to me on a piece of paper as your exit ticket.
Credits
CK12-Foundation. (2021, May 16). Flexbooks.Ck12.Org. https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-middle-school-life-science-2.0/section/12.9/primary/lesson/symbiosis-ms-ls/
National Geographic Society. (2023, October 19). Symbiosis: The art of living together | National Geographic Society. National Geographic. Education.Nationalgeographic.Org. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/symbiosis-art-living-together/
Symbiosis (interactions between organisms). (n.d.). Generation Genius. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/symbiosis-video-for-kids/
Teacher Page
Accommodations & Support:
- Provide individualized support to students as needed.
- Strictly follow all student IEPs and 504 plans.
- Ensure all specified accommodations are actively implemented throughout the activity.