Standard: Writing Grade 3.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. a. Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
NGSS 3-LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics: 3-LS2-1. Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive. Science and Engineering Practices: Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Engaging in argument from evidence in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to critiquing the scientific explanations or solutions proposed by peers by citing relevant evidence about the natural and designed worlds. Construct an argument with evidence, data, and/or a model. (3-LS2-1)
Objective: I (the student) will use multiple different resources to explain an ecosystem and food chains.
California Department of Education. (March 2013). California Common Core State Standards. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/finalelaccssstandards.pdf
(2013) Next Generation Science Standards. Retrieved from http://63960de18916c597c345-8e3bed018cb857642bed25a591e65353.r63.cf1.rackcdn.com/Standards%20by%20DCI%20FINAL%20with%20TOC%20and%20page%20number.pdf
http://www.neok12.com/Ecosystems.htm
Go to the website. Scroll down to Science Videos and Lessons. Choose the first video, or the one titled ‘What is an ecosystem?’
The video introduces the ecosystem. It describes what a population is and what is in a community.
Source: (2014)Neo K12. Retrieved from http://www.neok12.com/Ecosystems.htm
http://eschooltoday.com/ecosystems/what-is-an-ecosystem.html
Students can look at the tab ‘What is an ecosystem?’ or ‘Food Chains’.
The first article has more information on an ecosystem. It describes what is needed in an ecosystem and how ecosystems work. The second article is an introduction to food chains and why different populations live in an community.
Source: (2010) What is an ecosystem? Retrieved from http://eschooltoday.com/ecosystems/what-is-an-ecosystem.html
Research Question: What is an ecosystem? What are some living and non-living things found in an ecosystem?
Create a food chain using grass, a snake, a frog, an owl, and a caterpillar.