Ecology and Interdependence

9th GradeScience75 min

aligned to Standard 8 - Develop And Use Models To Describe The Cycling Of Matter And Flow Of Energy Between Abiotic And Biotic Factors In Ecosystems.

Learning Objective

I can model how energy and matter move between living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

8 min

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Bozeman Science

Guided Notes

15 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • The major source of energy on our planet is the sun, which plants convert into usable energy through photosynthesis.

  • Gross primary productivity is the overall amount of energy converted by producers, while net primary productivity is the energy remaining after the producers' respiration.

  • In an ecological pyramid, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level, with the rest being lost as heat.

Practice

23 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Draw an ecological pyramid representing energy flow in a forest ecosystem. Label each trophic level (producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers) and indicate the relative amount of energy available at each level, assuming a 10% transfer efficiency between levels.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts