SEEd - Grade 6
Lesson Plans

Strand 6.4: STABILITY AND CHANGE IN ECOSYSTEMS

The study of ecosystems includes the interaction of organisms with each other and with the physical environment. Consistent interactions occur within and between species in various ecosystems as organisms obtain resources, change the environment, and are affected by the environment. This influences the flow of energy through an ecosystem, resulting in system variations. Additionally, ecosystems benefit humans through processes and resources, such as the production of food, water and air purification, and recreation opportunities. Scientists and engineers investigate interactions among organisms and evaluate design solutions to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem resources.

Standard 6.4.2

Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems. Emphasize consistent interactions in different environments such as competition, predation, and mutualism. (LS2.A)

• UT.SEEd.6.4.2 E.2
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.2 Episode 2 from seedstorylines.org . Students will observe relationship between foxes and rabbits and discover the interaction patterns.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.2 E.3
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.2 Episode 3 from seedstorylines.org . Students will describe predator/prey relationships with snowy owls and lemmings
• UT.SEEd.6.4.2 E.4
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.2 Episode 4 from seedstorylines.org . Students will analyze data to determine how deer population was affected by the introduction of wolves in their ecosystem.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.2 E.5&6
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.2 Episode 5 and 6 from seedstorylines.org . Students will recognize the patterns of competition and how it affects populations of squirrels.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.2 E.7
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.2 Episode 7 from seedstorylines.org . Students will categorize how animals interact with other living things in their environment.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.2E.1
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.2 Episode 1 from seedstorylines.org . Students will be observing different animal interactions through phenomenon.
• Who wins and who loses in a rapidly changing forest?
  Students will query collections for organisms from montane forests in the Uinta Mountains. They?ll classify organisms (predator, competitor, mutualist) based on their relationship to the lodgepole pine using field notes and previous knowledge, then create a model to communicate and reason about the impacts of change on these interactions.
  NHMU Research Quests are phenomena-based, online investigations asynchronously led by museum educators and scientists that are rooted in museum research and collections. Resources include teacher instructional guides, formative and summative assessments, and student notebooks. A free educator acount is required to access the materials.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.