Teaching Through Trade Books: Exploring Ecosystem
The article discusses how through the use of books students can learn about ecosystems. Books are a good way for students to learn the complex relationship between living things and their n... See More
The article discusses how through the use of books students can learn about ecosystems. Books are a good way for students to learn the complex relationship between living things and their natural environment. The article highlights two books that it recommends in introducing students to ecosystems without being overwhelming. The books focus on having students develop an understanding that organisms live in diverse environments and depend on various resources to thrive. What I found helpful were the suggestions of how to expand upon the information learned in the trade books depending on their grade levels. What teacher can find helpful about this article are the simple suggestions that can help make a large concept such as ecosystems relatable to their students. Such as walks around school where the students can explore and use scientific inquiry to learn about organisms and their environments. Having the students make personal connections through scientific inquiry is impactful to their learning. This is a good article that emphasizes student engagement and inquiry.
Discover Ecosystems in your Backyard
The article explores the complex relationship of living things to their natural environment and to each other. The activities can help the students appreciate the interrelationships and int... See More
The article explores the complex relationship of living things to their natural environment and to each other. The activities can help the students appreciate the interrelationships and interdependencies within communities. To learn about the ecosystem students will learn about the relationships of living things to each other and their natural environment. The books are part of a series that explores the relationships and the interdependencies of the natural environment. According to the National Science Education Standards, students in grades K–4 should be developing understandings of the way organisms live in diverse environments and depend on varying resources. Upper elementary students need to understand that ecology centers both on the various components of nature as well as how the components work together as a whole. Students also need to know that the interactions that take place in a desert ecosystem, for ex-
ample, share some basic similarities but are also different from those in other ecosystems. This article gives lesson to help the students understand ecosystems. Great lessons for elementary level.