You are about to go on a little adventure into nature and learn about how food chains and food webs play a critical part in all ecosystems. To start your adventure open up a Google Doc OR a blank Notability page. The title should be "Energy Transfer in Ecosystems". Then, follow the directions below, in order. **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #1: In your world, you must get energy in order to be healthy. This energy comes from other organisms (living things). For us humans, this is easy because we can just go to the grocery store or restaurant and either buy or order food to eat. You don't have to go and hunt down the animal you will eat. In some cultures, though, this still happens. There are places in the world, where people still hunt and kill their food. All of our ancestors did this on some level. However, here in our area of the world, in a suburb or city, we have it easier.
On your document, write "#1." and next to it, write "Organisms in my food web:". Then, make a list of 7-10 items in your own food web (thing you eat). That's it! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #2: Alright, let's have a little fun with food webs and play a game. You will be playing the game called The Antarctic Food Web Game.
Click the word LAUNCH in the center of the screen after clicking HERE to begin. **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #3: Questions to answer: After playing the game, number the next item as "#2." and tell me your thoughts about the game. Did you like it? Did you not like it? Was it easy? Did you get it on the first try? Just give me your opinion. That's it! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #4: You already read the pieces of informational text on Food Chains, Food Webs and the Energy Pyramid, which are in your Google Classroom. One of the pieces of information was about energy pyramids, and that as we go up the pyramid, there are fewer and fewer organisms because the lower level consumers must support the higher level consumers.
Let's try a different game. This time you will need to create a balanced ecosystem.
It might seem like it's for little kids, but once you get started, you will need to think about how to balance your ecosystem. It's not as easy as it looks!
Click HEREto begin and when it starts, click the word LAUNCH.
Then, after you played, answer the questions below, in your document. **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #5: Questions: Number your document with "#3.". What was the purpose of the game? Was it challenging to create a balanced ecosystem? Tell me your thoughts. That's it! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #6: All ecosystems must be balanced.
Let's take a look at a story about the changes that can take place, when an ecosystem is not balanced.
Read the story by clicking HERE. That's it! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #7: Questions: In your document write "#4." What was the main idea of the story? (Use complete sentences.)
What is an apex predator and why are they important? (Use complete sentences.)
Explain what happened to the apex predators. (Use complete sentences.)
What do you think should be done to help with the problem, other than artificial sounds? (Use complete sentences.) All done! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #8: You just finished reading an article about what can happen to an ecosystem when apex predators are removed, due to fear.
The consequences can be devastating to the ecosystem.
Now let's take a look at an ecosystem, which is starting to heal. Click HEREto read about an extraordinary discovery. All done! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #9: Now, let's see this story up close and personal.
Click the video below to see the amazing changes in one of our most beloved ecosystems in Yellowstone National Park.
Here is the link to the video, if you do not see one to play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q
If you would like to watch the video with the text, to read and follow along, click HERE. **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #10 Questions: (This should be "#5.".) How did the re-introduction of the wolf population impact the deer population? (Use complete sentences.)
How did the re-introduction of the wolf population impact the trees? (Use complete sentences.)
Knowing that apex predators, like wolves, cause fear in some people, what could you argue in defense of the introduction of the wolves back into the ecosystem? All done! **************************************************************************************************************
TASK #11 Last Part:(This should be "#6.".) Now, let's come full circle.
You've done a lot of work with this whole activity. Using the organisms from the video, create a food web in your document.
You may have to watch it again to catch all of the living things and make a list, first.
If you need some help with what a food web should look like, take a look HERE and HERE for some assistance.
Then, create your own. You can use pictures if you want, or you can just write the name of the organisms. Pictures will take longer.
Once you finish your food web, attach your work to the assignment in your Google Classroom called "Energy Transfer in Ecosystems - Interactive Activity". And that's it! You finished! *Whew*