Ecology is a large theme, and often not given full coverage in a biology class due to time constraints. Below are some basic lessons on ecology and environmental science.
Populations and Data
Estimating Population Size – use bags filled with “animals” to mark and recapture and estimate the population size in the bag
Case Study – Loggerhead Turtles and Population Models – explore the number of eggs hatched and survivorship
Modeling Survivorship Curves with Bubbles – simulate survival patterns with this fun bubble activity
Predator Prey Graph – graph data on deer and wolf populations (growth curves)
Lesson of the Kaibab – Graph deer population after a catastrophic population decline
Random Sampling – estimate a population of “sunflowers”
Random Sampling with Dandelions – estimate the number of weeds on your school grounds using string and counting the number of plants within a plotted area
Interpreting Ecological Data – graphs and data tables
Demography Lab – collect cemetery data, construct survivorship curve
Rabbit and Wolf Simulation – collect data, growth curves, analyze how reproductive rates of predator and prey affect growth curves
Predator and Prey Simulation with Notecards – use notecards to demonstrate how predator and prey numbers change over time
Forest Food Web Label – image; label producers, consumers, carnivores
Prairie Food Web Label II – another image to identify producers, consumers
Biomes and Communities
Analyzing Data – Explore Features of Biomes – Use a map and graphs to determine features of biomes
Build an Ecosystem – use bags, water BTB, oxygen data
Succession in an Ecosystem – graphic shows how species are replaced as a pond dries up.
Create a Biome Concept Map – research biomes to create graphic organizer
Biomes Concept Map Fill In – concept map is already created, students fill in words
Research Biomes Project – create a presentation, travel brochure or similar artifact to showcase your biome
Examine an Ecosystem – observation of jar/pond water
Ecosystem (Biomes) Venn Diagram – compare two biomes and complete diagram
Biomes at MoBot – web lesson, research site, fill out table and answer questions
Color a Biome Map – color North American Biomes by reading instructions on their locations
Owl Pellets – dissect owl pellets, reconstruct skeletons
Environmental Issues
Investigating Algae Blooms and Dinoflagellates – discover how rainfall and temperature affect aquatic ecosystems
Sea Turtles and Sex Determination – investigate how temperature affects the sex of hatching turtles
Case Study – The Wolves of Isle Royale – explores how inbreeding can affect populations
Can Sport Hunting Control Predator Populations – examine data on cougar attacks in states that allow hunting and those that do no allow hunting
Data Analysis – Invasion of the Jumping Worms – data shows how an invasive species can affect soil quality
Ecology Project – create a presentation about an environmental issue
Case Study – How Human Activities Affect Water Quality – examine a map showing various areas of a river affected by pollution
Designer Dogs – Examines the cost associated with breeding designer dogs (such as Puggles); students to consider alternatives to buying pets.
Exotic Pets – a set of activities over wild and exotic animals and the risks of owning them
Endangered Species Project – create a publication (website or prezi) that explores a species that is threatened
Investigate the Causes Endangered Species – using earthsendangered.com, create a graphic organizer that compares 4 different threatened animals from an area of the planet
Food for Thought – model the amount of food resources each country has using Hershey kisses
Zebra Mussels – read an article about exotic (invasive) species, answer questions
Human Population Graph – use data to graph growth and analyze
Environmental Action – as a group, allocate resources to different “causes”
Ecology Listmania – an introductory discussion where students list ideas or issues related to the environment