CLASS SUMMARY
MIDDLE GRADE CLASS
Ecological Succession STANDARDS ( NGSS) DAY
How do biological systems respond to change? MISCONCEPTION: Except for a few major changes due to large
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE Thermal Adaptations (Winer Only)
NATURAL SYSTEMS
Ecological Succession
CLASS GUIDE SERIES
Intro to Field Based Science Skills
volcanic eruptions or meteorite strikes, ecosystems have been the same throughout Earth’s history.
Benchmarks of Science Literacy: 1B/E3,1B/E4, 5E/E3
OVERALL IDEA: The changes to ecosystems, such as forests,
(SEE STANDARDS/BENCHMARKS DETAILS ON BACK)
include gradual changes over time.
TIME REQUIRED Students will build on skills and experiences from Intro to Field Based Science Skills. Beginning in the classroom for a brief introduction on forest succession and changes, students will then journey to a field site with a diversity of habitat types to examine and measure a variety of trees, examine water sources and note elevation changes and other factors influencing ecological succession. Students will use evidence from observations to improve and strengthen observation skills, formulate theories, and make predictions based on existing data and understanding. In winter, participants will explore on snowshoes.
3 hours
SEASONS All
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Hiking/ Snowshoeing (winter only)
Concepts: Ecological succession Natural community relationships Patterns in nature Availability of resources Human impact www.treesfortomorrow.com
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