This resource introduces second level students to key ecological concepts using works of art. Using two videos (around fifteen minutes each) with questions for students to answer within the videos. As well as extra optional activities that can extend the time of the session to fit into a whole lesson length. The first session, covering species interacting to form a community with the example of a jungle with monkey species, and a model ecosystem with elephants and lions etc. The second session considers community change in an environment through comparing different ecosystems, such as Scottish and Kenyan.

In this resource

This resource bundle includes editable versions of the following:

A teachers guide which has notes that can be read out that explain the key concepts, along with instructions for all the activities. As well as details of exact times to pause the videos for the students to go through worksheets.

Lesson 1: How species interact together to form a community

-The 15-minute video below where Louise explains key concepts and sets activities

-A PowerPoint

-A worksheet

-A version of the worksheet with answers

-a handout word document with the materials to be printed for activity F for session 1

Session 2: How communities change due to the environment

-The 15-minute video below where Louise explains key concepts and sets activities

-A PowerPoint

-A worksheet

-A version of the worksheet with answers

 

Learning outcomes in the Curriculum for Excellence:

Session 1

Science – Biodiversity and Interdependence

• SCN 2-01a: I can identify and classify examples of living things, past and present, to help me appreciate their diversity. I can relate physical and behavioural characteristics to their survival or extinction.
• SCN 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs. I have contributed to the design or conservation of a wildlife area.

Session 2

Science – Biodiversity and Interdependence

• SCN 2-01a: I can identify and classify examples of living things, past and present, to help me appreciate their diversity. I can relate physical and behavioural characteristics to their survival or extinction.
• SCN 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs. I have contributed to the design or conservation of a wildlife area.
• SCN 3-01a: I can sample and identify living things from different habitats to compare their biodiversity and can suggest reasons for their distribution.

Expressive Arts – Art and Design

• EXA 2-05a: Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through activities within art and design.

Click here to view and download ‘Learning Ecology Through Art’ on TES

 

This resource was created by Louise Litrico, as part of the Geoscience Outreach course. Adapted by Alysha Wilson. Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC-BY-SA 4.0 license. 

This resource was originally developed for Mauricewood Primary School in Penicuik, to be delivered as two science lessons.

To find more Open Educational Resources from the University of Edinburgh, visit open.ed.ac.uk.

 

Header image: Image by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash is licensed under the Unsplash License