Ecosystem Concepts

This article describes lessons that can extend learning for before and after visiting an ecological field trip. Before the field trip the class focused on the basic ecosystem concepts. Stud... See More

This article describes lessons that can extend learning for before and after visiting an ecological field trip. Before the field trip the class focused on the basic ecosystem concepts. Students used a version of tag to play an Energy Game. The students role-played the different parts of the ecosystem. Each student was a carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, and sun. Lima Beans were their energy bundles. The students are using their prior knowledge and adding new knowledge while playing the game. The game can be discussed in the class to see if they should add additional roles of the ecosystem to improve the model. Students will enjoy this game and helps to teach the parts of an ecosystem. Another activity the students create an ecosystem using a two- liter bottle. They used the scientific process to observe the ecosystem model. This a great article to help the students to understand the basic concepts of an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Explorations

This article describes how an environmental center created pre- and post-field trip activities to reinforce their Ecosystem Explorations curriculum. Prior to the field trip, the class engag... See More

This article describes how an environmental center created pre- and post-field trip activities to reinforce their Ecosystem Explorations curriculum. Prior to the field trip, the class engaged in various activities to introduce basic ecosystem concepts, journal writing, as well as inquiry. One activity that was a version of freeze-tag called The Energy Game. Each student role-played a part of the ecosystem (herbivore, carnivore, sun, etc.) and received a certain number of energy bundles (lima beans) depending on his/her role. By playing the Energy Game and then making changes to the model, students are building on their previous knowledge gained through personal experience. This game sounds like it would be something kids would really enjoy! Good article, good suggestions for classroom activities before a field trip to introduce ecological concepts.

Staging your field trip for maximum learning.

This article presents some great instructional activities that will extend learning before and after an ecological field trip. The activities range from active games, to reflective literary... See More

This article presents some great instructional activities that will extend learning before and after an ecological field trip. The activities range from active games, to reflective literary compositions. The energy web game was developed from an adaptation of the freeze game, using lima beans to represent bundles of energy that flow through the ecosystem. The game also can be discussed by the class to see if additional ecosystem roles should be included to improve the model. In a second hands-on activity, students create an ecosystem model in a 2-liter bottle. Students incorporate their model int o an application of the scientific process, and observe the ecosystem models over time. In the third activity students combine hands-on investigation with literacy for a very well-rounded lesson about natural resources.

The importance of pre-post field trip activities

The articles describes a series of lessons used for pre-post ecological field trips. The activities described are flexible enough to adapt not only for elementary trips but for trips for old... See More

The articles describes a series of lessons used for pre-post ecological field trips. The activities described are flexible enough to adapt not only for elementary trips but for trips for older students as well. The lessons highlight literacy activities but also helping students to identify their own misconceptions and to change those concepts to reflect the real world. I especially liked the idea of using a game to show energy transfer through an ecosystem - I do something like this but not as well and I look forward to incorporating the authors suggestions this year to see how it works with my middle level students.