Pond life
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?DocID=77
A lesson plan for grades 4–5 Science
The purpose of this lesson is to investigate familiar and unfamiliar ecosystems using Internet resources; to explore how various organisms satisfy their needs within their environments; to study the kinds of relationships that exist between organisms within an environment. In order to learn about the living environment, students should begin by engaging in direct observation of local ecosystems. This investigation is designed to build on the knowledge that students are acquiring as they observe and record their findings. In this investigation, Internet resources allow students to investigate the diverse organisms and environments that can be found in other parts of the world.
Because students will be conducting internet research in this plan, you may wish to scaffold their reading by:
- reading as a class
- jigsawing as a class
- partnering up to explore assigned sections
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 4
- Goal 1: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.
- Objective 1.01: Observe and describe how all living and nonliving things affect the life of a particular animal including:
- Other animals.
- Plants.
- Weather.
- Climate.
- Objective 1.01: Observe and describe how all living and nonliving things affect the life of a particular animal including:
Grade 5
- Goal 1: The learner will conduct investigations to build an understanding of the interdependence of plants and animals.
- Objective 1.01: Describe and compare several common ecosystems (communities of organisms and their interaction with the environment).
- Objective 1.05: Determine the interaction of organisms within an ecosystem.
