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 6.4.3

Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. Emphasize food webs and the role of producers, consumers, and decomposers in various ecosystems. Examples could include Utah ecosystems such as mountains, Great Salt Lake, wetlands, and deserts. (LS2.B)

• 6th Grade Makey Makey: The Street Beneath My Feet
  This is a potential lesson plan derived from a summer camp activity. It was based off a specific technology. Please make changes and adaptations as necessary for the students in your class.
• How is energy transfer and matter cycling affected in a changing ecosystem?
  Students will use a food web model to gather data and classify which roles (producer, consumer, and decomposer) each organism plays in this mountain ecosystem. In doing so, students will reason how energy and matter are impacted by the change taking place in this environment. Students will develop and use models to explain their thinking.
  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.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.3 E.1
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.3 Episode 1 from seedstorylines.org . Students will understand that matter cycles through an ecosystem.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.3 E.2
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.3 Episode 2 from seedstorylines.org . Students will use a model to demonstrate the transfer of matter in an ecosystem.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.3 E.3
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.3 Episode 3 from seedstorylines.org . Students will analyze how organisms interact in an ecosystem with a food web.
• UT.SEEd.6.4.3 E.4
  Nearpod version of UT.SEEd.6.4.3 Episode 4 from seedstorylines.org . Students will model the flow of matter in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.
• Water in Our World: Exploring Storage and Movement in Different Environments
  This resource is a USGS lesson plan designed to help teachers utilize the "Where is the Water" posters and images from the Modern Water Cycle collection by BYU. The resources emphasize the two-way connection between humans and water and examines the water cycle in various environments: desert, forest, urban, suburban, coastal, and agricultural.

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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.