ecosystems

tch3rd · **ecosystems** 10-15-2006, 04:38 PM

I'm looking for ideas on teaching ecosystems to third graders. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Don · **Ecosystems** 10-16-2006, 04:47 PM

ECA Science has a program that uses two-liter bottles that are used to make a terrarium and an aquarium. If you would like more info., you can email me directly at Loonfifth

aol.com.

Ms. J · **Teaching Ecosystems** 10-16-2006, 05:16 PM

I taught ecosystems to my third graders last year, and they really enjoyed it. Before we started the unit, we talked about living things. To introduce the unit, I read them I SEE A KOOKABURRA! This book focuses on the different animals found in different parts of the world. It's a really cool book for this topic!

Then we fill out a chart together which focuses on the different ecosystems and the different organisms found them. Throughout this process, books on different ecosystems are available which I checked out from the library. We partner read some of these while I read others to the entire class. A good author to check out is Jean Craighead George.

As a culminating activity, students choose what ecosystem they would like to learn more about. I put them into groups, and they do mini-research on that ecosystem as a small group. They record their findings and create a mural to share with the class.

Lynetteapo · **food web** 10-17-2006, 03:54 PM

There's always the ever-popular create a food web activity. Each child is assigned an organism. Then connect the students using yarn to show how everything is connected. Finally, extend the activity by saying that there's a drought or insecticide was sprayed and having everyone affected step forward to loosen their string, then everyone else whose string is loosened steps forward (or drops their string).

NewTeacher7 · 03-18-2009, 01:05 AM

Hi there,
I am a new teacher (hence the name... haha) and I am about to start a unit on ecology. I am looking for small activities to incorporate in to my unit.
I am not a 'science' person, so I am a bit stumped with this unit- but I want it to be fun for the students! Any resources/activity ideas/lesson plans that you have would be greatly appreciated! Please let me know and I will provide you with my email. Thanks!