Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
ECOSYSTEM
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ECOSYSTEM
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Grade code: B7.3.3.1.1
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: B7.3.3.1
Indicator code: B7.3.3.1.1
Theme: SYSTEMS
Subtheme: ECOSYSTEM
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An ecosystem is the living and non-living parts of an area working together as a system. Understanding ecosystems helps learners in Ghana to explain everyday issues such as poor fish catch in rivers, crop failure, bushfires, deforestation, flooding, and why some places have more mosquitoes than others. It also supports good decisions about farming, fishing, sanitation, and conservation.
2.1 What is an Ecosystem? An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) interacting with non-living factors (air, water, soil, sunlight, temperature) in a particular area.
Key idea: An ecosystem is like a “team” or “system.” If one part changes, other parts are affected. “Self-sustaining unit” (What it means) “Self-sustaining” means the ecosystem can continue functioning without constant external support, because: Plants (producers) make food using sunlight (photosynthesis). Animals (consumers) eat plants or other animals. Decomposers break down dead matter and return nutrients to the soil/water. Nutrients are recycled, and energy flows through the system.
Examples in Ghana A pond (e.g., a dugout pond in a community) A forest (e.g., parts of Kakum or Atewa) A farm (e.g., maize farm with weeds, insects, soil organisms) A lagoon (e.g., Korle Lagoon area—though polluted, it is still an ecosystem)
2.2 Categories of Ecosystems (NaCCA exemplar) Ecosystems can be grouped into: A. Terrestrial Ecosystems (Land-based) These occur mainly on land. Examples: forest, savanna/grassland, farmland, desert-like areas (very dry zones).