**Lesson Plan: Ecosystems and Biomes**
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**Grade Level:** 5th Grade
**Subject:** Science
**Lesson Title:** Introducing Ecosystems and Biomes
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Objectives:**
1. Students will understand the definition of an ecosystem and a biome.
2. Students will identify various types of ecosystems and biomes.
3. Students will recognize the interactions between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components in ecosystems.
**Standards:**
- NGSS 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
- NGSS 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
**Materials:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- Video on ecosystems and biomes
- Worksheets on ecosystems and biomes
- Colored pencils
- Chart paper
- Sticky notes
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. Start with a quick warm-up: Ask students to write down what they think an "ecosystem" and a "biome" are on sticky notes.
2. Collect the sticky notes and display them on the board.
3. Explain the definitions:
- **Ecosystem:** A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.
- **Biome:** A large area characterized by its vegetation, soil, climate, and wildlife.
**Instruction (20 minutes):**
1. Show a short video that introduces ecosystems and biomes, ensuring it covers different types like forests, deserts, grasslands, and aquatic biomes.
2. After the video, discuss:
- The main components of an ecosystem: Biotic (living) and Abiotic (non-living) factors.
- Examples of ecosystems within various biomes.
3. Conduct a brief Q&A session to address any clarifications or questions from the video and initial descriptions.
**Activity (25 minutes):**
1. **Group Activity: Biome Posters**
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different biome (e.g., Rainforest, Desert, Tundra, Grassland, Aquatic).
- Provide each group with chart paper, colored pencils, and a worksheet that includes key information points (climate, flora, fauna, and any specific features).
- Instruct each group to create a poster that illustrates their assigned biome, including drawings and key information.
- Encourage creativity and incorporation of both living and non-living components in their posters.
2. Allow 15 minutes for group work and then have each group present their poster to the class.
**Wrap-Up (5 minutes):**
1. Summarize the day's lesson by highlighting the importance of biomes and ecosystems and how they are interconnected.
2. Ask a few students to share one interesting fact they learned about a biome that is not the one their group worked on.
**Assessment:**
- Evaluate the group posters for accuracy and creativity.
- Observe participation during discussions and group activity.
- Collect and review worksheets for understanding of key concepts.
**Homework:**
- Students will complete a worksheet that involves matching different ecosystems with their respective biomes and listing specific biotic and abiotic factors for each.
**Extension:**
- For students who finish early, offer the opportunity to research and present on unusual or less-known biomes, such as cave systems or deep-sea vents.
**Reflection:**
- After the lesson, note what worked well and what could be improved for next time. Pay attention to student engagement and understanding, and adjust future lessons accordingly.