current UNIT:
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Science Capstone Project! For the next two weeks, you will research and present a science topic of your choice. It can be any topic related to our 8th-Grade science units. You will be able to show off your high-school readiness and include skills from Science, Math, Social Studies, and Literacy. I'm excited to see and hear about what you choose to do! Learning Outcome: Show off your high school-ready skills in science! |
Ecosystems. We all know what a system is, right? But an eco? What's that? It's Greek for "house." Eco- is a prefix often used for things relating to the environment. For example, ecology is the the study of our "house" here on planet Earth - the interactions between organisms and their environment.
In our unit on ecosystems, we will study the living (biotic)and non-living (abiotic) things that interact in a particular area. That is, in fact, the definition of an ecosystem. Living things are kind of obvious, such as grass and trees and animals. Non-living things, though, may be less obvious. These include water, soil, sunlight, and the weather. All of these together determine the types of living things that can survive and thrive.
One cool thing about an ecosystem is that it is the next step down in organization from the solar system. It's where we live and breathe, and it's also something that we can affect both for good or ill. We can cut down all the trees in an area and affect lots of other living things in the process. We can introduce (unintentionally or not) new living things to an area and make other big changes. Research what happened when people introduced rabbits to Australia. Disaster! There were no effective predators for them there, and the rabbits multiplied beyond belief nearly wrecking the place. People have been fighting them ever since.
In this unit we will study biotic and abiotic factors in the environment, populations, endangered species, and the effect people can have on all of this. As it turns out, being a part of our ecosystem gives us some responsibility for protecting it!
In our unit on ecosystems, we will study the living (biotic)and non-living (abiotic) things that interact in a particular area. That is, in fact, the definition of an ecosystem. Living things are kind of obvious, such as grass and trees and animals. Non-living things, though, may be less obvious. These include water, soil, sunlight, and the weather. All of these together determine the types of living things that can survive and thrive.
One cool thing about an ecosystem is that it is the next step down in organization from the solar system. It's where we live and breathe, and it's also something that we can affect both for good or ill. We can cut down all the trees in an area and affect lots of other living things in the process. We can introduce (unintentionally or not) new living things to an area and make other big changes. Research what happened when people introduced rabbits to Australia. Disaster! There were no effective predators for them there, and the rabbits multiplied beyond belief nearly wrecking the place. People have been fighting them ever since.
In this unit we will study biotic and abiotic factors in the environment, populations, endangered species, and the effect people can have on all of this. As it turns out, being a part of our ecosystem gives us some responsibility for protecting it!
If you need unit assignments or resources, click on the Assignments tab above. You should find what you need there. If not, check with me during class and I'll be sure to get you what you need. If you don't know what you're missing, you can find that information on ParentVue or StudentVue. Check it often!