Grade 9 SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN ACTIVITY: UNIT PLAN OUTLINE

Monika Madik & Rebecca Lowe

Day(s)
1-3 Similarities and differences between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Curriculum Expectation
B1. Analyze the impact of human activity on terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and assess the effectiveness of selected initiatives related to environmental sustainability B2. Investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the sustainability of these ecosystems B3. Demonstrate and understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems. B1. Analyse the impact of human activity on terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and assess the effectiveness of selected initiatives related to environmental sustainability B2. Investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the sustainability of these ecosystems

Lesson Synopsis
Introduction of unit to students Ice breakers if start of the course Students will compare and contrast characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems using a diagram. Students will understand the interdependence of the components within a terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem and explain how the components of both work together to ensure the sustainability of a larger ecosystem.

Assessment (for, as, of)

Diagnostic test (KWL) Exit card Human Activity & Sustainability assignment

4 -5 Limiting factors & their effect on carrying capacity

Students will learn some key terms: Population, population growth, limiting factors, carrying capacity, dynamic equilibrium etc. They will learn how certain factors influence the balance of an ecosystem and

Participation and class discussion Worksheet completion Homework check

B3. Demonstrate and understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems

demonstrate their knowledge via a graphing activity.

Students will be able to describe and graph qualitative and quantitative data on organisms within an undisturbed or disturbed ecosystem and analyze how factors are related to the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. Students will learn the impacts of human activity on their environment. They will debate if fertilizer and pesticide use is beneficial or detrimental to humans and the ecosystem.

6-8 Human Impact on Environment

B1. Analyze the impact of human activity on terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and assess the effectiveness of selected initiatives related to environmental sustainability B2. Investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the sustainability of these ecosystems B3. Demonstrate and understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems.

Debate skills Self-evaluation 1 page summary Exit card

9 STSE
Ecosystems in our local community

A1. Demonstrate scientific investigation skills in the four areas of skills B1. Analyse the impact of human activity on terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and assess the effectiveness of selected initiatives related to environmental sustainability B2. Investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the sustainability of these ecosystems B3. Demonstrate an understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems

Students will investigate different ecosystems in their own community/school grounds and assess the impact of human activity on these ecosystems.

Observation chart Participation Group discussion Reflection paper/picture

10 - 11 Inquiry Lesson

B1. Analyze the impact of human activity on terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and assess the effectiveness of selected initiatives related to environmental sustainability B2. Investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the sustainability of these ecosystems B3. Demonstrate and understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems

Learn about human activity on ecosystems Lean about the plants role in ecosystems differentiate between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems determine human impact on ecosystems compare and contrast between different ecosystems

Presentations

To be ongoing days 1 15 Performance Task Checkpoint 1: Day 5 Checkpoint 2: Day 10 Final Lab Report Due: Day 15 Unit Test Review class: Day 15 Test: Day 16