Life
Science Kit Resources
Ecosystems:
Tips for Teachers
The following Tips for Teachers were generated to better serve
the Elementary teacher s of the Vancouver School District.
If you have any of your own Tips, please send them to me (Kris
Skrutvold at the following email address: kskrutvo@vansd.org)
and I will post them on the Kit Resources web-site. (Currently
being developed)
Kit Needs and Concerns
- Order live specimens so they arrive on time and in healthy
condition
Provide an extra set of 'hands' during the set up of terrariums
and aquariums, such as a parent volunteer
- Build a light source for the plants if the money is not there
to purchase one
Find some more precise pH paper
Kit Modifications
Lessons 1-3: Setup of Terrarium and Aquarium
Before this lesson, have students share prior knowledge of/experience
with aquariums and terrariums
Streamline material pass out by having materials ready together
in a tub
Find a sturdier base for the terrariums, they are top heavy
Hole punch sides of the lids and tape the top shut--prevents
spills and still gives you access to water the terrarium as needed
Lesson 4: Adding Animals to the Aquarium
Lesson 5: Observing the Aquarium
Use the games of Kerplunk or Jenga as an analogy to ecosystems
Lesson 6: Adding Animals to the Terrarium
Use crickets as a thermometer (manual pg 88)
Lesson 7: Joining the Terrarium and Aquarium
Lesson 8: Upsetting the Stability
Add more pollutant(s) to the terrarium to have a more dramatic
effect in a shorter period of time
Lesson 9: Reporting on Pollutants
Remind students to avoid using their fingers when handling
the pH paper
Lesson 10: Planning Pollution Experiments
Lesson 11: Setting up Pollution Experiments
Lesson 12: Observing Early Effects of Pollution
Lesson 13: Where do the Pollutants Go?
Lesson 14: Drawing Conclusions about Our Experiment
Lesson 15: Examining a Real Environmental Problem
Lesson 16: Holding the Mini-Conference: A Look at Trade-offs
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