MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

● I can identify biotic and abiotic factors.

● I can model how energy and matter flow through a food chain/food web.

● I can predict the effect on resource availability if an ecosystem is changed.

● I can write an argument about the effects on populations if the ecosystem is changed.

● I can identify the different interactions (mutualism, competition, predation) between organisms.

● I can understand the similarities between ecosystems.

● I can analyze different solutions and make an evidence-based decision.

1. What does it mean to be living?

2. How do organisms get energy?

3. What happens to resources if an ecosystem is changed?

4. How might organisms interact with one another?

5. How can changes to an ecosystem affect populations within that ecosystem?