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