Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
In Grade 3, students explore how organisms form groups that help members survive, analyze how habitats support different organisms, and investigate how environmental changes affect plants and animals. They examine how variations in traits can provide advantages for survival and develop an understanding of the interdependence of living things within ecosystems.
Grade Three Expectations for Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive
- Identify various animal groups and their social structures
- Analyze how being part of a group helps animals find food, defend against predators, and care for young
- Compare solitary animals with those that live in groups
- Investigate how different animals communicate within their groups
- Observe and describe the roles of different members within animal groups
- Construct evidence-based arguments about the survival benefits of group living
- Research and present information about specific animal groups and their survival strategies
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Three, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during investigations, group discussions, and ecosystem modeling activities
- Conversations: Student explanations of ecosystem concepts, animal adaptations, and environmental change solutions
- Products: Student work samples, including ecosystem models, research projects, and solution proposals
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for group work and investigation skills
- Rubrics for evaluating ecosystem models and research projects
- Performance tasks involving ecosystem relationships and adaptations
- Exit tickets to assess daily learning objectives
- Science journals for recording observations, data, and reflections
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Field guides for local plants and animals
- Fossil replicas or images for classroom use
- Ecosystem models and simulations
- Videos of animal groups and their behaviors
- Books and articles about environmental changes and adaptations
- OECS Grade 3 Science Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Science journals for recording observations and data
- Materials for creating ecosystem models
- Field notebooks for outdoor observations
- Ecosystem vocabulary cards
- Visual aids and reference materials
Teacher Content Knowledge
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems in Grade 3 builds upon students' earlier experiences with plants, animals, and their environments. Students develop a deeper understanding of how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. They learn about the benefits of group living for many animal species, how fossils provide evidence of past organisms and environments, how environmental changes affect ecosystems, and how variations in traits can provide advantages for survival. Through investigations, research, and modeling activities, students develop an understanding of the interdependence of living things and the importance of biodiversity for healthy ecosystems.