Ecology and the Flow of Energy

Lessons on Habitats, Food Chains, the Flow of Energy and Predator/Prey Relationships using the Cornell Cooperative Extension Wellness Trail (September Through June)

Ecology is the study of living organisms and their environments. An ecologist examines the abundance and distribution of these organisms within ecosystems. Understanding this is crucial for protecting species that are at risk. A food chain illustrates the feeding relationships among organisms in a habitat, indicating what eats what. Arrows connect the organisms, representing the flow of energy from one to another. The different stages in a food chain are referred to as trophic levels. Through various activities, students will explore these essential concepts related to ecology and the animals that inhabit them in St. Lawrence County!

Learning Objectives:

After this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand what a habitat is and what plants and animals need from their habitat in order to survive.
2. Understand the basic flow of energy from producer, to consumer, to de-composer.
3. Understand predator-prey relationships.

Learning Standards:

P-LS1-1. Observe familiar plants and animals (including humans) and describe what they need to survive. All animals need food, air, and water in order to live, grow, and thrive. Animals obtain food from plants or from other animals. Plants need water, air, and light to live, grow, and thrive.

LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms 

3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

College and Career readiness.

Students will learn how environmental management addresses the current and emerging challenges facing our ecosystems and the environment.

Overview of Activities:

This brief overview of the various activities that can be completed for this lesson is split by age level. Each activity is given a time estimate and description. Note that all groups will be offered the opportunity to tour the Extension Learning Farm and eat a lunch (not provided) while visiting the farm.

Introduction to Ecology (30 Minutes):

• What is an Ecology:
  • Students will learn what the term "Ecology" means.
  • Key concepts in this lesson will include:
    • What is Ecology?
    • What is an Ecosystem?
    • All organisms in an ecosystem depend on each other.
    • Food chains show the flow of energy from one organism to another.
    • Food webs show how all the food chains in an ecosystem interact.
• Careers in Ecology:
  • Students will learn about how the environment has changed over time. Additionally, they will discover how the need for people within the Environmental Science Field has and will continue to increase. Different career options will be discussed.
    

What is a Habitat Activity (1st to 4th):

• What is a habitat and what do plants and animals need from their habitat? (45-60 minutes):
  • Students will learn about what the term "Habitat" means and will investigate the nearby habitats that can be found around the Extension Learning Farm (field, pond, forest). Through this lesson, students will participate in a small hike around a trail that has informational signage explaining the three different habitats. This activity can also include a Habitat Scavenger Hunt to enjoy during the hike.
• Draw a Habitat (20-30 Minutes):
  • Students will creatively answer the question: What is a plant or animal’s habitat? Where does the plant or animal find food, water, shelter, and space? Students will spend at least 20 minutes outside drawing or describing the habitat of a plant or animal they observed on their hike.
• Reflection and Evaluation (10-15 Minutes):
  • Students will be given the chance to reflect upon their activities and what they learned during the lessons through a series of questions and by sharing their drawings.

Predator/Prey Relationships (3rd to 7th):

• What are some of the predator/Prey relationships that can be found in a field, pond and forest habitat?  (30 minutes)
  • Students will learn about the food chain and predator/prey relationships in nature.  They will play an interactive game simulating this relationship.  After completion of this activity students should be able to:
    • Define predator and prey.
    • Discuss how a food chain works. 
    • Explain the purpose of biodiversity and adaptation.

What is a Food Chain (3rd to 7th):

• What is a food chain?  What are the different trophic levels found in a food chain and how is energy transferred? (45-60 minutes): 
  • Students will learn about what the term "Food Chain" means and will investigate the nearby habitats and the food chains that could exist in those habitats. They will discuss how Photosynthesis provides the energy for most life on Earth and then how that energy is transferred to producers and then to consumers. Through this lesson, students will participate in a small hike around a trail that has informational signage explaining habitats, food chains, and energy transfer between producers, consumers, and de-composers.

• Create a Food Chain or Food Web (20-30 Minutes): Students will creatively answer the question: What is a food chain or food web (grade level dependent)? Students will label the different trophic levels of the plants and animals drawn. Students will spend at least 20 minutes outside drawing or describing the food chain of a plant or animal they observed on their hike.
• Reflection and Evaluation (15 Minutes):
  • Students will be given the chance to reflect upon their activities and what they learned during the lessons through a series of questions.

Toxic Materials in the Food Chain (8th to 12th):

• Insecticides and Bio-accumulation (30 Minutes)
  • Students will play the Bio-accumulation “Trace the Toxin” Game.
  • Students will learn that toxic materials are harmful substances that can be poisonous. Some of these compounds break down quickly into harmless forms in the environment, while others are persistent and remain unchanged for long periods. Persistent toxins accumulate in the food chain, causing harm to various organisms, particularly those at the top, such as predators. This accumulation occurs because these compounds cannot be excreted effectively. Historically, mercury compounds were used in insecticides to control pests that damage crops and in special paints to prevent barnacle growth on ship hulls. Unfortunately, when mercury enters the food chain, it can damage the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals, including humans.

Pond Water & Microorganisms (8th to 12th):

• Microscopic Pond Life Activity (1 hour)
  • Looking for a hands-on way for students to explore microorganisms found in pond water?  Students will collect pond water samples to create wet mounts and then observe them under a microscope here at the Extension Learning Farm. They will then use their microscope skills to find, identify, and draw biological diagrams of at least 4 microorganisms.

Last updated October 21, 2024