Interactions

This week we used video to figure out that their are 5 main interactions that organisms have with other species.  We started investigating predator and prey relationships first.  Students participated in a simulation in which fox are the predators and rabbits are the prey.  So far, they have only gathered evidence.  Next week we will analyze the evidence.

Students participated in two food web simulations this week.  The first simulation was online.  They were able to make changes to an ecosystem and then see the outcome of their changes.

Here are some pictures from our in class food web simulation.

We figured out that the entire ecosystem is effected when there is a change to one population.  This was the final piece of the puzzle.....  We were able to determine that the trout were not starving, they have plenty of food.

Energy Pyramids

Students participated in a simulation called Energy Pipeline.

We figured out that organisms use a lot of their energy leaving only 10% available to the next trophic level!  

Energy Roles

We have been so busy in science class!  We had AMAZING discussions about energy roles.  Here is our whiteboard evidence to show our thinking.  Students created categories, then we discussed them until we agreed upon them.

How Do Trout Interact With Other Organisms To Get Their Food?

We have been busy trying to FIGURE OUT what happened to the trout in Lake Michigan.  We figured out through a reading that trout eat smaller fish, crayfish, shrimp and insect larvae.  We figured out that trout are predators.  This week we are working on figuring out how energy flows in an ecosystem.  We are investigating food webs to understand how the populations interact with each other.

Students are playing a food web game to gain experience in some of these interactions.  

Cellular Respiration Models

Students demonstrated their understanding of Cellular Respiration by creating models of the process.