Web of Life

This unit about ecology explores adaptation, biodiversity and the transfer of energy between living things, by exploring food chains and food webs. The notions of interdependence, adaptation and human impact feature strongly. Field work will provide opportunities for collecting primary sources as they look at biodiversity and interactions between humans and the natural world. Students will strengthen their skills of observations throughout the unit and consider how a scientist develops an understanding of the natural world.

Key questions

How do physical and behavioural adaptations lead to biodiversity within an ecosystem?
How is energy transferred within an ecosystem?
How do people interact with ecosystems?
How does a scientist develop an understanding of the natural world?
How can an individual be a researcher?
How does climate differ within the world?
How do the lines of latitude connect to climate?
What does a healthy ecosystem look like?

This unit looks at the biodiversity, adaption and interdependence of species within ecosystems. Students will look at local flora and fauna and consider ways in which species depend on each other and how humans can have an impact, both positive and negative on their survival.

The ways in which animals adapt to their surroundings either physically or behaviourally are studied. Consider the way seals have blubber for insulation or penguins huddle for warmth, for example. The way energy is transferred through food webs is another key idea, as are the ways that an ecosystem's balance can be upset or restored.

Next unit... Expo.