Going Wild for Ecosystems

I think I have mentioned before that, for some reason, in our science curriculum, we do not teach ecosystems and go straight to adaptations. That bothers me because I feel the need to explain to my students the environment they are in for these necessary adaptations. So, I guess if that makes me a naughty-shut-the-door-and-sneak-in-the-not-on-the-curriculum-topic kind of teacher, then so be it. With that said, I want to show you just how I *very quickly* teach my students about ecosystems before hurrying on to the stuff I’m *supposed* to teach.

Reading about Ecosystems

One of the first things I like to do – more like an introduction to hook them – is have an ecosystem scavenger hunt. I tape up articles I’ve written about the various ecosystems and biomes around the world in my classroom. I tape them all around the room so students can circulate and read them without too many students in one place. Then I provide each student with a clipboard, a pencil, and a scavenger-hunt set of questions. They have to circulate from “ecosystem” to “ecosystem”, reading and hunting for the answer to the question. This is a great way to incorporate some reading while building a little background knowledge about the various types of ecosystems.

We then talk about the answers. Sometimes, if I have some early finishers, I’ll even have them compare and contrast different ecosystems, such as freshwater and marine (ocean) ecosystems.

After discussing ecosystems and the important factors that make up one (abiotic factors, producers, decomposers, and consumers), along with their interactions, we then move on to the characteristics of each ecosystem and the animals and plants that live in it. Together, we read articles about each ecosystem type and its specifics. Then, working in pairs, students complete the provided sheets, listing the specific characteristics of the ecosystem, the animals, and the plants.

Once students have a basic understanding of ecosystems, deepen their knowledge with these 8 food chain and food web activities.

Students then color the regional map and label the approximate locations of each ecosystem around the world.

Finally, we put them all together and created an accordion booklet to reference later.

Want more ecosystem project ideas beyond foldables? Here are 10 ecosystem activities and projects for upper elementary.

Once students have explored the various ecosystems, through these two ways (through the process of reading!), we are then ready to move on to our adaptations unit! By sneaking in this quick lesson (or two!) on ecosystems, students can understand why polar bears in the Arctic need to adapt and have blubber (and so on!). It just makes teaching science so much easier when there aren’t gaps in the curriculum, you know? 🙂

Speaking of easier: if any of these ideas will make your life easier in the classroom, you can check out my resources for pre-made versions. In addition, I created a money-saving bundle — that’s eight products in one! They can be used as stand-alone resources, or you can mix and match to ensure your students get the most out of your ecosystem lesson.

Regardless of whether you have to sneak in content to your science classroom, these ideas are sure to help engage your students while making your job easier. After all, that’s what I’m here for!