Ecology:
Energy Flows Through Ecosystems
Level 4
Project Glad
Livermore Joint Unified
School District
Kären Woodward and Anne Rosendin
Key Trainers in Training
2006
Project GLAD
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
Ecosystems (4)
Idea Pages
I.Unit Theme –Energy flow through ecosystems
- All organisms need energy and matter to live and grow.
- Living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for survival.
- Compare ecosystems, the organisms and the role(s) they play within the ecosystem.
- Cross cultural:
- ecosystems have common characteristics around the globe
II.Focus /Motivation
- Realia: Animal specimens alive and preserved, fungus, mold, worm bin,
ant farm, live plants, experiments
- Big Book
- Videos and/or movies
- Field trip(s)
- Observation Charts
- Inquiry Chart
- Picture File Cards
- Ecologist Awards
- Team points
III.Closure
- Process grid
- Personal exploration
- Student created poems, songs, and Big Books
- Student portfolio of individual tasks.
- Teacher and student generated tests: ecology
- Team ecosystem project – teacher/student made rubric
- An expository writing piece to prompt
- Revisits of Inquiry Chart
IV.Concepts – 4th Grade Standards
Science
Life Science
2. All organisms need energy and matter to live and grow.
As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:
a.plants are the primary source of matter and energy entering most food chains.
b.producers and consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers) are related in food chains and food webs and may compete with each other for resources in an ecosystem.
c.decomposers, including many fungi, insects, and microorganisms, recycle matter from dead plants and animals.
3. Living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for survival.
As a basis for understanding this concept, students know:
a. ecosystems can be characterized by their living and nonliving components.
b.that in any particular environment, some kinds of plants and animals survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
c.many plants depend on animals for pollination and seed dispersal, and animals depend on plants for food and shelter.
Investigation and Experimentation
6. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.
As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations. Students will:
a. Differentiate observation from inference (interpretation) and know scientists' explanations come partly from what they observe and partly from how they interpret their observations.
c. Formulate and justify predictions based on cause-and-effect relationships.
d. Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction and draw conclusions about the relationships between predictions and results.
f. Follow a set of written instructions for a scientific investigation.
V. Vocabulary
Ecology: Energy Flows Through Ecosystems Level 4 CA1
K. Woodward/A. Rosendin - Project G.L.A.D (01/07 JB)
ecology
biotic
abiotic
environment
organism
population
community
ecosystem
biosphere
producer
consumer
herbivore
carnivore
omnivore
scavenger
decomposer
food chain
food web
energy pyramid
habitat
niche
limiting factor
carrying capacity
competition
prey
predator
symbiosis
mutualism
commensalism
parasitism
parasite
host
coevolution
adaptation
photosynthesis
tundra
grassland
desert
temperate forest
tropical rain forest
mangrove
temperate
arctic
tropical
oasis
equator
Tropic of Cancer
Tropic of Capricorn
Ecology: Energy Flows Through Ecosystems Level 4 CA1
K. Woodward/A. Rosendin - Project G.L.A.D (01/07 JB)
VI. English Language Arts Standards
Reading
1.0 Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development
Word Recognition
1.1 Read narrative and expository text aloud with grade-appropriate fluency and accuracy and with appropriate pacing, intonation, and expression.
Vocabulary and Concept Development
1.2 Apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms to determine the meaning of words and phrases.
1.3 Use knowledge of root words to determine the meaning of unknown words within a passage.
1.4 Know common roots and affixes derived from Greek and Latin and use this knowledge to analyze the meaning of complex words (e.g., international).
1.5 Use a thesaurus to determine related words and concepts.
1.6 Distinguish and interpret words with multiple meanings.
2.0 Reading Comprehension
Structural Features of Informational Materials
2.1 Identify structural patterns found in informational text (e.g., compare and contrast, cause and effect, sequential or chronological order, proposition and support) to strengthen comprehension.
Comprehension and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text
2.2 Use appropriate strategies when reading for different purposes (e.g., full comprehension, location of information, personal enjoyment).
2.3 Make and confirm predictions about text by using prior knowledge and ideas presented in the text itself, including illustrations, titles, topic sentences, important words, and foreshadowing clues.
2.4 Evaluate new information and hypotheses by testing them against known information and ideas.
2.5 Compare and contrast information on the same topic after reading several passages or articles.
2.6 Distinguish between cause and effect and between fact and opinion in expository text.
2.7 Follow multiple-step instructions in a basic technical manual (e.g., how to use computer commands or video games).
3.0 Literary Response and Analysis
Structural Features of Literature
3.1 Describe the structural differences of various imaginative forms of literature, including fantasies, fables, myths, legends, and fairy tales.
Narrative Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text
3.2 Identify the main events of the plot, their causes, and the influence of each event on future actions.
3.3 Use knowledge of the situation and setting and of a character's traits and motivations to determine the causes for that character's actions.
3.4 Compare and contrast tales from different cultures by tracing the exploits of one character type and develop theories to account for similar tales in diverse cultures (e.g., trickster tales).
3.5 Define figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification) and identify its use in literary works.
Writing
1.0 Writing Strategies
Organization and Focus
1.1 Select a focus, an organizational structure, and a point of view based upon purpose, audience, length, and format requirements.
1.2 Create multiple-paragraph compositions:
a. Provide an introductory paragraph.
b. Establish and support a central idea with a topic sentence at or near the beginning of the first paragraph.
c. Include supporting paragraphs with simple facts, details, and explanations.
d. Conclude with a paragraph that summarizes the points.
e. Use correct indention.
1.3 Use traditional structures for conveying information (e.g., chronological order, cause and effect, similarity and difference, and posing and answering a question).
Penmanship
1.4 Write fluidly and legibly in cursive or joined italic.
Research and Technology
1.5 Quote or paraphrase information sources, citing them appropriately.
1.6 Locate information in reference texts by using organizational features (e.g., prefaces, appendixes).
1.7 Use various reference materials (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, card catalog, encyclopedia, online information) as an aid to writing.
1.8 Understand the organization of almanacs, newspapers, and periodicals and how to use those print materials.
1.9 Demonstrate basic keyboarding skills and familiarity with computer terminology (e.g., cursor, software, memory, disk drive, hard drive).
Evaluation and Revision
1.10 Edit and revise selected drafts to improve coherence and progression by adding, deleting, consolidating, and rearranging text.
2.0 Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
2.1 Write narratives:
a. Relate ideas, observations, or recollections of an event or experience.
b. Provide a context to enable the reader to imagine the world of the event or experience.
c. Use concrete sensory details.
d. Provide insight into why the selected event or experience is memorable.
2.2 Write responses to literature:
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the literary work.
b. Support judgments through references to both the text and prior knowledge.
2.3 Write information reports:
a. Frame a central question about an issue or situation.
b. Include facts and details for focus.
c. Draw from more than one source of information (e.g., speakers, books, newspapers, other media sources).
2.4 Write summaries that contain the main ideas of the reading selection and the most significant details.
Written and Oral English Language Conventions
1.0 Written and Oral English Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions appropriate to this grade level.
Sentence Structure
1.1 Use simple and compound sentences in writing and speaking.
1.2 Combine short, related sentences with appositives, participial phrases, adjectives, ad-verbs, and prepositional phrases.
Grammar
1.3 Identify and use regular and irregular verbs, adverbs, prepositions, and coordinating conjunctions in writing and speaking.
Punctuation
1.4 Use parentheses, commas in direct quotations, and apostrophes in the possessive case of nouns and in contractions.
1.5 Use underlining, quotation marks, or italics to identify titles of documents.
Capitalization
1.6 Capitalize names of magazines, newspapers, works of art, musical compositions, organizations, and the first word in quotations when appropriate.
Spelling
1.7 Spell correctly roots, inflections, suffixes and prefixes, and syllable constructions.
Listening and Speaking
1.0 Listening and Speaking Strategies
Comprehension
1.1 Ask thoughtful questions and respond to relevant questions with appropriate elaboration in oral settings.
1.2 Summarize major ideas and supporting evidence presented in spoken messages and formal presentations.
1.3 Identify how language usages (e.g., sayings, expressions) reflect regions and cultures.
1.4 Give precise directions and instructions.
Organization and Delivery of Oral Communication
1.5 Present effective introductions and conclusions that guide and inform the listener's understanding of important ideas and evidence.
1.6 Use traditional structures for conveying information (e.g., cause and effect, similarity and difference, and posing and answering a question).
1.7 Emphasize points in ways that help the listener or viewer to follow important ideas and concepts.
1.8 Use details, examples, anecdotes, or experiences to explain or clarify information.
1.9 Use volume, pitch, phrasing, pace, modulation, and gestures appropriately to enhance meaning.
Analysis and Evaluation of Oral Media Communication
1.10 Evaluate the role of the media in focusing attention on events and in forming opinions on issues.
2.0 Speaking Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
2.1 Make narrative presentations:
a. Relate ideas, observations, or recollections about an event or experience.
b. Provide a context that enables the listener to imagine the circumstances of the event or experience.
c. Provide insight into why the selected event or experience is memorable.
2.2 Make informational presentations:
a. Frame a key question.
b. Include facts and details that help listeners to focus.
c. Incorporate more than one source of information (e.g., speakers, books, newspapers, television or radio reports).
2.3 Deliver oral summaries of articles and books that contain the main ideas of the event or article and the most significant details.
2.4 Recite brief poems (i.e., two or three stanzas), soliloquies, or dramatic dialogues, using clear diction, tempo, volume, and phrasing.
VII. ELD Standards - 3rd -5th grades
LISTENING AND SPEAKING
Comprehension
BSpeak with few words/sentences
Answer simple questions with one/two word response
Retell familiar stories/participate in short conversations/using gestures
EIAsk/answer questions using phrases/simple sentences
Restate/execute multi step oral directions
IAsk/answer questions using support elements
Identify key details from stories/information
EAIdentify main points/support details from content areas
AIdentify main points/support details from stories & subject areas
Respond to & use idiomatic expressions appropriately
Comprehension, Organization & Delivery of Oral Communication
BUses common social greetings
EIIdentify main points of simple conversations/stories (read aloud)
Communicate basic needs
Recite rhymes/songs/simple stories
ISpeak with standard English grammatical forms/sounds
Participate in social conversations by asking/answering questions
Retell stories/share school activities using vocabulary, descriptive words/paraphrasing
EARetell stories including characters, setting, plot, summary, analysis
Use standard English grammatical forms/sounds/intonation/pitch
Initiate social conversations by asking & answering questions/restating & soliciting information
Appropriate speaking based on purpose, audience, subject matter Ask/answer instructional questions
Use figurative language & idiomatic expressions
AQuestion/restate/paraphrase in social conversations
Speak/write based on purpose, audience, & subject matter
Identify main idea, point of view, & fact/fiction in broadcast & print media
Use standard English grammatical forms/sounds/intonation/pitch
Reading - Word Analysis (Grades 3-5 ELD Standards)
Concepts about Print, Phonemic Awareness, Decoding & Word Recognition
BRecognize familiar phonemes
Recognize sound/symbol relationships in own writing
EIRead orally recognizing/producing phonemes not in primary language
Recognize morphemes in phrases/simple sentences
IRead aloud with correct pronunciation of most phonemes
Use common morphemes in oral & silent reading
EAUse knowledge of morphemes to derive meaning from literature/texts in content areas
AUse roots & affixes to derive meaning
Reading - Fluency & Systematic Vocabulary Development (Grades 3-5 ELD Standards)
Vocabulary & Concept Development
BRead aloud simple words in stories/games
Respond to social & academic interactions (simple questions/answers)
Demonstrate comprehension of simple vocabulary with action
Retell simple stories with drawings, words, phrases
Uses phrases/single word to communicate basic needs
EIUse content vocabulary in discussions/reading
Read simple vocabulary, phrases & sentences independently
Use morphemes, phonics, syntax to decode & comprehend words
Recognize & correct grammar, usage, word choice in speaking or reading aloud
Read own narrative & expository text aloud with pacing, intonation, expression
ICreate dictionary of frequently used words
Decode/comprehend meaning of unfamiliar words in texts
Recognize & correct grammar, usage, word choice in speaking or reading aloud
Read grade level narrative/expository text aloud with pacing, intonation, expression Use content vocabulary in discussions/reading
Recognize common roots & affixes
EAUse morphemes, phonics, syntax to decode/comprehend words
Recognize multiple meaning words in content literature & texts
Use common roots & affixes
Use standard dictionary to find meanings
Recognize analogies & metaphors in content literature & texts
Use skills/knowledge to achieve independent reading
Use idioms in discussions & reading
Read complex narrative & expository texts aloud with pacing, intonation, and expression.
AApply common roots & affixes knowledge to vocabulary
Recognize multiple meaning words
Apply academic & social vocabulary to achieve independent read.
Use idioms, analogies & metaphors in discussion & reading
Use standard dictionary to find meanings
Read narrative & expository text aloud with pacing, intonation
Reading Comprehension
BAnswer fact questions using one/two word response
Connect simple test read aloud to personal experience
Understand & follow one-step directions
Sequence events from stories read aloud using key words/phrase
Identify main idea using key words/phrases
Identify text features: title/table of contents/chapter headings
EAUse simple sentences to give details from simple stories
Connect text to personal experience
Follow simple two-step directions
Identify sequence of text using simple sentences
Read & identify main ideas to draw inferences
Identify text features: title, table of contents, chapter headings
Identify fact/opinion in grade level text read aloud to students
IOrally respond to comprehension questions about written text
Read text features: titles, table of contents, headings, diagrams, charts, glossaries, indexes
Identify main idea to make predictions & support details
Orally describe connections between text & personal experience
Follow multi-step directions for classroom activities
Identify examples of fact/opinion & cause/effect in literature/content texts
EAGive main idea with supporting detail from grade level text
Generate & respond to text-related comprehension questions
Describe relationships between text & personal experience
Identify function of text features: format/diagrams/charts/glossary
Draw conclusions & make inferences using text resources
Find examples of fact, opinion, inference, & cause/effect in text
Identify organizational patterns in text: sequence, chronology
AMake inferences/generalizations, draw conclusions from grade level text
Describe main ideas with support detail from text
Identify patterns in text: compare/contrast, sequence/ cause/effect
Writing Strategies and Applications (Grade 3-5 ELD Standards)
Penmanship, Organization & Focus
BWrite alphabet
Label key parts of common object
Create simple sentences/phrases
Write brief narratives/stories using few standard grammatical forms
EIWrite narratives that include setting and character
Respond to literature using simple sentences, drawings, lists, charts
Write paragraphs of at least four sentences
Write words/simple sentences in content areas
Write friendly letter
Produce independent writing
INarrate sequence of events
Produce independent writing
Use variety of genres in writing
Create paragraph developing central idea using grammatical form
Use complex vocabulary & sentences in all content areas
Write a letter with detailed sentences
EAWrite detailed summary of story
Arrange compositions with organizational patterns
Independently write responses to literature
Use complex vocabulary & sentences in all content areas
Write a persuasive letter with relevant evidence
Write multi-paragraph narrative & expository essay for content areas
AWrite short narrative for all content areas
Write persuasive composition
Write narratives that describe setting, character, objects, events
Write multi-paragraph narrative & expository compositions
Independently use all steps of writing process
Writing Conventions
BBegin own name and sentences with capital letter