"ecology"

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"ecology"
By Tabitha

I teach a whole unit on ecology. My students use 2 liter soda bottles and make ecocolumnes. They plant mustard seed, alfalpha, and grass seed. They make an aquarium at the other end with duckweed, elodea, and algae as the
producers. Then we add the consumers. In the terrariums we add crickets and rollie pollie bugs called Isopods. In the aquarium we add snails and mosquito fish or guppies. We then do experiments on how pollution effects thess ecosystems. I also use The Great Kapoke Tree as an introduction to the unit and we make rain forest pillows. We write a haiku or Cinquin with an illustration on the

pillow and hang them outside in the hall. I also use other information books and we discuss biomes and the food chain. I have them research the 8 different biomes and make murals and type up a report on one and a diorama to go with it. I have them make a giant food chain together as a class and I also show The Magic School Bus Gets Eaten. We go on a field trip to a Nature Barn and get to experience three ecosystems in our neighborhood. I also take my kids to a near by creek to have them experience another ecosystem near by. If you need any more ideas please feel free to email me. I am now in the process of teaching this unit.