2nd Nine Weeks

What We're Learning

Equilibrium within Ecoregions

Activities in this unit focus on factors that impact the equilibrium of an ecosystem such as the Blackland Prairies of Texas and analyze how human actions impact ecosystems over time.

Chemistry

Students will complete activities that focus on explaining and element's chemical and physical properties on the periodic table and what makes up an atom.

Human Impact

Enduring Understandings

Balance within systems is regulated by the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.
A sustainable community is based on wise use of energy resources which impacts the quality of life.
Energy is transformed by the movement of molecules to maintain equilibrium within an environment.

Essential Questions

How do my actions affect the sustainability of my ecoregion?
If cycling of matter is so important, then why doesn’t everyone do it?
How does succession progress differently in different habitats?

What are the causes and effects of human activity around a watershed?

What will my student know and be skilled at?

Knowledge

Abiotic and biotic factors affect a watershed
Living organisms are the best indicators of water quality
Ecological succession follows a gradual and orderly process
Human impact can alter biodiversity and watersheds in an ecosystem

Skills

Comparing and contrasting the watersheds in different biomes
Calculating the water quality in different water sources
Responding to simulated catastrophic events to ensure survival of endangered species