Our Big Backyard: How does our local ecosystem change during the year?
Summary
This activity will give students the opportunity to observe the changes that occur in their local flora and fauna during the school year. They will document their observations using a digital camera and a nature journal and share their observations on our class webpage.
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Learning Goals
1. Students will practice using their observation and recording skills by using their five senses and drawing and writing their observations.
2. Students will understand how biotic and abiotic factors interact by describing the interactions they are observing and how these interactions change during the year.
3. Students will take digital photographs and upload them to the classroom webpage.
Vocabulary: ecology, biotic, abiotic, habitat, observations, senses
2. Students will understand how biotic and abiotic factors interact by describing the interactions they are observing and how these interactions change during the year.
3. Students will take digital photographs and upload them to the classroom webpage.
Vocabulary: ecology, biotic, abiotic, habitat, observations, senses
Context for Use
This activity is geared towards high school students completing an online environmental health course. They will need access to a digital camera and will be supplying their own nature journals. This activity allows for the flexibility my student population needs and encourages them to get outside! This activity is easily adaptable to a variety of ages and school environments.
Description and Teaching Materials
1. During week one of the school year students will choose an outside area to observe and begin making their observations using a digital camera and nature journal.
2. Students will make five observations of their chosen spot they must record these using a digital camera every two weeks for the school year.
3. After two observations have been made students will reflect on the changes they are seeing and ask why these changes are occurring.
4. Pictures and reflections will be posted on our classroom webpage.
2. Students will make five observations of their chosen spot they must record these using a digital camera every two weeks for the school year.
3. After two observations have been made students will reflect on the changes they are seeing and ask why these changes are occurring.
4. Pictures and reflections will be posted on our classroom webpage.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Safety is an important consideration, especially since I will not be with the students when they do their observations. Students will be reminded to choose a location that is safe an easy to get to. When determining a location students should think ahead. Can they safely get to the site year round? Does the park close for the winter?
Students will be encouraged to complete their observations during the day and bring family and friends. Leave no Trace information will be provided to the students and encouraged to tread lightly.
Encourage the students to choose an area that is close by. Backyards and city parks make excellent study areas. If students are struggling with their reflections ask them to think of these three questions:
1. I observed...
2. I wonder .....
3. What is different this week?
4. What is the same this week?
Students will be encouraged to complete their observations during the day and bring family and friends. Leave no Trace information will be provided to the students and encouraged to tread lightly.
Encourage the students to choose an area that is close by. Backyards and city parks make excellent study areas. If students are struggling with their reflections ask them to think of these three questions:
1. I observed...
2. I wonder .....
3. What is different this week?
4. What is the same this week?
Assessment
Students will complete 5 observations twice a month and post pictures of what they are observing to our class webpage. After week two they will also reflect on their observations. The digital diary they create of their pictures and their personal journals will be used to ensure students are engaged.
Standards
9.1.3.1.1 Describe a system, including specifications of boundaries and subsystems, relationships to other systems, and identification of inputs and expected outputs