Grade: 10

Content Area: Ecology

Course Name: Biology

Unit 2 Ecology

Description of Unit:

You will explore the world of ecology and populations in Unit 2. There are six lessons about populations, invasive species, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, food chains and energy pyramids, Native American Ecology, and human populations. You will travel through our world that currently holds more than 7 billion people, tragic diseases like the plague, how energy and matter change in food chains, and how some new species can become quite the pests like a little brother or sister.

Approximate Time Needed: 8.5 weeks

Learning Targets

Assessments

Instructional Considerations

Instructional Approach

Resources

2.1 I can describe populations and how they change over time.

2.2 I can predict how an ecosystem will changes as a result of the introduction of one or more new species or from human causes.

2.3 I can explain products, reactants, and energy changes during photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

2.4 I can describe how matter cycles and energy flows through a food chain using chains, pyramids and webs.

2.5 I can describe contributions from diverse cultures, including Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities, to the understanding of interactions among humans and living systems. For example: American Indian understanding of sustainable land use practices.

2.6 I can describe human population changes and challenges for today and throughout history.

Pre-Assessments:

2.1.2 Inquiry Introduction/Anticipatory Set 20 minutes

Formative Assessments:

2.1.8 Review and Quiz 10 minutes

2.1.9 Review the learning objectives 15 minutes

2.2.2 Multiple choice quiz 15 minutes

2.2.3 Review the Learning Targets 15 minutes

2.3.9 Kahoot! 30 minutes

2.3.10 Quiz 15 minutes

2.3.11 Revisit Your Learning Targets 15 minutes

2.4.6 Quiz 15-45 minutes

2.5.6 Quiz

2.6.9 Quiz

Benchmark Assessment:

Student designed inquiry lab

Review and summative knowledge test

Summative project - informational pamphlet

Student Background Knowledge:

As this is the second unit of the year, students are expected to have a basic understanding of the scientific method. Students will assess their knowledge of the benchmarks before each lesson, before formative assessments, and before the summative assessment.

Essential Questions:

What impact can your generation have on the world?

Academic Language Strategies:

2.1.3A: Writing a R.A.F.T. about Ants 45 minutes

2.1.4 Factors Affecting Growth Rate 55 minutes Core of the Core Method

Invasive Species Graphic Organizer

2.3.5 Solar Powered Sea Slug KWLR 45 minutes

Lesson Plan 

In the teacher lesson plan, there are specific strategies, suggestions and links to teach each lesson.

Cross-Content Integration:

Social Studies in Lesson 5 Native American Ecology

Math in many graphing activities and labs.

Web Resources:

Additional web favorites include:

World-O-Meters 

Tublr This Is What A Scientist Looks Like 

The Private Life of Plants Videos 

PDF escape (for teachers in general)

Research:

There are links to current research to be found in the Scientist Spotlight section for each lesson.

Technology Resources:

-student access to laptops or computers and internet (two activities requires flash)

-projector