Combining Concepts for Deeper Understandings

The activity described in this article covers the following ecological concepts such as food web construction, biodiversity, the interdependence of organisms, and the transfer of energy thro... See More

The activity described in this article covers the following ecological concepts such as food web construction, biodiversity, the interdependence of organisms, and the transfer of energy through an ecosystem. Students are provided with 1000 energy points in which they make an ecosystem with the greatest diversity with the greatest sustainability. The impact of humans on a group’s food web is also evaluated. This is a great activity that ties together several concepts and makes students aware of the interconnections of organisms in a food web.

Food webs with twist

The article provides the materials needed to complete the activtiy. The interesting thing about the article is that it has students to think of the energy that moves through an ecosystem as... See More

The article provides the materials needed to complete the activtiy. The interesting thing about the article is that it has students to think of the energy that moves through an ecosystem as well as the matter. In addition, students are given scenarios that they must use their food webs to be able to answer the questions posed in the scenario. Last, the activity does provide for some differences between food webs which is important. Students should not be given problems that require only one right answer. There is nothing for them to compare and discuss when that happens.