Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Activities

Explore energy flow, photosynthesis, and ecosystem interactions through hands-on investigations and long-term observation projects.

Energy Flow

Photosynthesis

Food Webs

Ecosystem Health

Activity 2.1: Build a School Ecosystem Terrarium

Students create and monitor a closed ecosystem to observe energy flow and matter cycling over time

4-6 weeks ongoing

Groups of 3-4

Ecosystem Dynamics

Implementation Support & Safety

Living Organism Care

Establish care schedules for terrarium maintenance
Provide backup plans for plant and animal care
Create protocols for organism health monitoring
Ensure ethical treatment of all living specimens
Plan for end-of-project organism placement
Have veterinary or expert contacts available

Field Work Safety

Conduct site safety assessments before visits
Establish clear boundaries and buddy systems
Prepare first aid kits and emergency contacts
Brief students on local hazards (plants, animals)
Have permission forms and medical information
Plan alternative indoor activities for bad weather

Long-term Project Management

Create rotation schedules for observation duties
Develop data collection templates and rubrics
Plan for holiday and weekend care arrangements
Establish troubleshooting protocols
Create backup documentation systems
Prepare celebration events for project completion

Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Activities

Explore energy flow, photosynthesis, and ecosystem interactions through hands-on investigations and long-term observation projects.

Energy Flow

Photosynthesis

Food Webs

Ecosystem Health

Activity 2.1: Build a School Ecosystem Terrarium

Students create and monitor a closed ecosystem to observe energy flow and matter cycling over time

4-6 weeks ongoing

Groups of 3-4

Ecosystem Dynamics

Implementation Support & Safety

Living Organism Care

Establish care schedules for terrarium maintenance
Provide backup plans for plant and animal care
Create protocols for organism health monitoring
Ensure ethical treatment of all living specimens
Plan for end-of-project organism placement
Have veterinary or expert contacts available

Field Work Safety

Conduct site safety assessments before visits
Establish clear boundaries and buddy systems
Prepare first aid kits and emergency contacts
Brief students on local hazards (plants, animals)
Have permission forms and medical information
Plan alternative indoor activities for bad weather

Long-term Project Management

Create rotation schedules for observation duties
Develop data collection templates and rubrics
Plan for holiday and weekend care arrangements
Establish troubleshooting protocols
Create backup documentation systems
Prepare celebration events for project completion

Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Activities

Activity 2.1: Build a School Ecosystem Terrarium

Activity Overview & Learning Objectives

Materials & Setup

Detailed Procedure

Assessment & Extensions

Implementation Support & Safety

Living Organism Care

Field Work Safety

Long-term Project Management

Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Activities

Activity 2.1: Build a School Ecosystem Terrarium

Activity Overview & Learning Objectives

Materials & Setup

Detailed Procedure

Assessment & Extensions

Implementation Support & Safety

Living Organism Care

Field Work Safety

Long-term Project Management