Abiotic & Biotic FactorsAbiotic, biotic factors, intro

ecosystems and long term plot study

Day 1:Warm Up: Write down a list of things you KNOW about Biology

LT: I can define Ecology and draw a model of Earth’s spheres.

NEW UNIT…

Ecology!What do you think ECOLOGY is?

ECO = habitat or environment

Definition: The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and their physical surroundings

Ecologists

Earth is a set of interacting spheresYou have 15 MINUTES to research your assigned sphere and prepare to present to the class. Write important information on your whiteboard.

Table 1 & 7: Lithosphere

Table 2 & 6: Atmosphere

Table 3: Hydrosphere

Table 4: Biosphere

Table 5: Ecosphere

LithosphereThe outer part of the earth (Earth’s crust)

AtmosphereGases surrounding the earth or another planet

HydrosphereAll the waters on earth’s surface (lakes, oceans, clouds)

BiosphereGroup of ecological systems on earth (everything alive!)

EcosphereBiosphere of earth...emphasizes the interaction between living and nonliving components

Day 2: Warm Up: List at least three of earth’s sphere and explain what they are

LT: I can explain the difference between abiotic and biotic factors.

AbioticNOT alive

- Abiotic factors can have a huge impact on an ecosystem

- Discuss: What are some abiotic factors that are right outside our classroom?

- Ex: water, wind, rocks etc.

Biotic

ALIVE

- Anything that is alive or was once alive- Discuss: what are some things that are biotic factors

that are right outside our classroom?- Ex: students, grass, bugs, birds etc.

List all the ABIOTIC and BIOTIC factors in the ecosystem

Abiotic and Biotic Factors WS

Day 3:Warm Up: What is one abiotic factor that is in your yard at home? What is one biotic factor?

LT: I can identify the different characteristics of life.

Discussion: What makes something ALIVE?

Rotations

- Visit stations around the room- Record observations- Classify each item as alive or not

alive

7 Characteristics of LifeLiving Things…

1. Are composed of cells2. Have different levels of organization3. Use energy4. Respond to their environment5. Grow6. Reproduce7. Adapt to their environment

1. Living Things are Composed of Cells

2. Living Things have different levels of organization

3. Living Things Use Energy

4. Living Things respond to their environment

5. Living Things Grow

6. Living Things Reproduce

7. Living Things Adapt to their environment

CER - Is ________________ abiotic or biotic?Write a CER explaining why your chosen object is abiotic or biotic. Remember to include THREE pieces of evidence and reasoning that ties in with EACH piece of evidence

Object options:

- Fire- Seaweed- A bird’s egg (ALL parts of the egg)- A pinecone- A piece of gravel- Your cell phone- A soccer ball

Day 4: Field Studies Warm Up: What are some things you need to consider when planning an experiment outside?

LT: I can explain important elements of field studies and set up a field study plot.

Quiz 1: Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Discussion: What do ecologists study?

Discussion: How do ecologists set up experiments?

Long Term Plot Study Intro- Choose location of plot- Decide what factors you are going to observe/test- Decide how long you are going to study that area- Mark your plot...BE PRECISE- Observe plot over time- Keep as many factors as you can CONSTANT (time

visited, protocol etc.)- Record observations and collect DATA

Expectations for outdoor lab classes:- Always be able to see Ms. Perkins- No running- No yelling- Don’t mark down plot markers- Stay on task- Be on your best behavior, or we will not continue to go

outside

Pre-Lab Questions

Initial Observation Outside:

- Set up plot- Do initial observation

Day 5: Plot Observation 2 Warm Up: What are some important elements to consider when planning and setting up a field study?

LT: I can make observations about abiotic and biotic factors in my study plot.

Observation 2: Abiotic and Biotic Factors- Take Field Journal, pencil, and something to write on- Review outdoor lab expectations- Today we are focusing on Abiotic and Biotic Factors

that are in our plots!