The following lessons and materials can help Middle School kids gain a better understanding of the flow of matter through ecosystems as well as population dynamics.


Lesson 1 - Gathering Environmental Background Information

Lesson Plan -
Study Guide Sheets - and
Assessment (Open Note Quiz) -

Lesson 2 - Worming Around!

Lesson Plan -
Worms Teacher Directions -
Worming Our Way Through Science (computer lab research activity) -
Worm Observations Data Recording Sheet -

Lesson 3 - Oh Deer!

Lesson Plan -
Oh Deer Data Chart Worksheet -
Tally Sheet for Oh Deer! -

Lesson 4 - Mark and Recapture

Lesson Plan -
Mark and Recapture Procedures -
Mark and Recapture Data Collection Chart -
Mark and Recapture Assessment -

Lesson 5 - Counting Whales

Lesson Plan -
Counting Whales Article - (WORD format - )
Comprehension Assessment -

Lesson 6 - Organisms In Their Environments

Lesson Plan -
Crossword Puzzle, Vocabulary List, and Video Assessment -
Wiki Assessment Rubric -
Creating a Wiki Information - Kim's Wiki Workshop Page

Lesson 7 - Ecosystem Dictionary

Lesson Plan -

Guiding PowerPoints

Ecology Introduction and Words 1-3 -
Ecology Words 4 and 5 -
Ecology Words 6-9 -
Ecology Words 10-15 -
Ecology Words 16-21 -
Ecology Words 22-24 -
Ecology Words 25-28 -
Ecology Words 29-30 -

Example of Electronic Ecosystem Dictionary (Smart Notebook) -
This can be used for teaching purposes (great with a Smart Board so kids can manipulate the components, or as an example is your kids have access to computers often and can make electronic dictionaries instead of paper.

Lesson 8 - Meet A Red Wiggler

Lesson Plan -
Anatomy Observation Worksheet - Click this LINK and print page 23.
Worm Anatomy Picture/Fact Page - Click this LINK and print page 22.
Behavior Worksheet (an additional activity not mentioned in the lesson plan) - Click this LINK and print page 25.

Lesson 9 - Natural Selection!

Lesson Plan -
Data Collection Charts -

Lesson 10 - Owl Pellets

Lesson Plan -
Owl Pellet Packet -
"Owl Well Did You Read?" Assessment Questions -
Virtual Dissection Site