Energy Pyramids in different Biome Locations

Lora Rantanen
Franklin Middle School
Thief River Falls, MN
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Summary

This Internet-research activity would be used in a life science classroom. Students will research the various biotic and abiotic factors that combine to make up a biome. The end product will be the creation of a PowerPoint presentation that identifies these factors and the creation of an energy pyramid involved in the selected biome.

Learning Goals

Students will:
1. Research the abiotic and biotic components of a biome.
2. Categorize organisms (names and images) into groups on an energy pyramid.

Concepts:
1. Students will learn that the biosphere is made up of several different biomes each with unique characteristics and organisms. Biomes are made up of both biotic and abiotic factors. Their characteristics and organisms are determined by both location and climate.
2. An energy pyramid is made up of producers, primary and secondary consumers, and scavengers.

Vocabulary:
1. Abiotic factors
2. Biotic factors
3. Primary consumers
4. Producers
5. Scavengers
6. Secondary consumers

Context for Use

This activity can be used as a wrap-up for the discussion on energy pyramids and interactions between living things. Typically, I've used it in conjunction with their research into environmental concerns. After learning about the selected biome area and what organisms are present there, students then focus their research on what problems are occurring in that biome. In addition, they are asked to find information regarding what can be done to solve and prevent those problems in the future in that biome rather than having to work on pollution issues on a global scale.

Description and Teaching Materials

Presentation:
At the beginning of the activity, students would be shown an example of a completed PowerPoint. In addition, research and editing tips would be provided. Links to helpful websites would be provided.

Materials:
- Planning handout and PowerPoint checklist
- Computers (with Internet access and PowerPoint software)
- Works Cited Sheets

Directions:
Day 1: view sample PowerPoint, show editing and research tips, select biome to research, handout planning sheet, begin research using textbook
Day 2: (meet in the computer lab) research organism names, begin finding images and citing resources
Day 3: (meet in the computer lab) finalize image placements, works cited and editing
Day 4: present findings to the class using PowerPoint presentations and Smart Board Student Planning Guide (Acrobat (PDF) 13kB Aug19 08) PowerPoint Template and Example (PowerPoint 324kB Aug19 08) Student PowerPoint Requirements Checklist (Acrobat (PDF) 43kB Aug19 08)

Teaching Notes and Tips

To save time with seventh graders it's recommended that a template for the PowerPoint presentation be used. Otherwise, much class time would be spent with formatting issues rather than content. I would have our technology coordinator assist me in placing the template on the server for students to access and then save their own work. With older students one may choose to allow them to create their own and could require more than one organism per level (like producers). Higher grades could also become the experts teaching their peers about their biome area.

Assessment

The PowerPoint presentations will be shared with the class. Projects will be graded based on the inclusion of all required information along with the accuracy of the information provided.
A minimum of 5 resources must be included on their works cited sheets.


The following rubric may be used: PowerPoint Rubric (Acrobat (PDF) 47kB Nov15 08)


Standards

7.IV.C.2-4
7.IV.F.2-5

References and Resources