Alien Explorer- Dichotomous keys and food webs

Embark on an Alien Ecologist Adventure!

Step into the shoes of expert alien ecologists on an extraordinary journey to the newly discovered planet, New Pamishan, with our meticulously designed remote learning ready Google Slides lesson. This modeling-inspired experience introduces students to the captivating world of dichotomous keys and intricate food webs, igniting their curiosity and scientific prowess.

Why Choose Our Alien Ecologist Adventure?

Innovative Approach: Break away from conventional lessons and dive into a modeling-inspired experience that places students at the heart of scientific exploration. Watch engagement soar as they tackle real-world challenges.

Authentic Scientist Experience: Immerse students in the role of ecologists by creating a storyline that infuses authenticity into their learning journey. Witness their enthusiasm as they navigate the complexities of alien ecosystems.

Dichotomous Keys and Food Webs Mastery: Our lesson seamlessly integrates dichotomous keys and food webs into a cohesive narrative. Students develop a deep understanding of these concepts, fostering lifelong skills in scientific inquiry.

The Journey Unfolds:

Step 1: Dichotomous Key Debut: Dive into the world of dichotomous keys, starting with simple shapes. Students learn how to create and use these keys, setting the stage for their alien ecologist role.

Step 2: Alien Sorting Challenge: Students create their own dichotomous keys, sorting unique New Pamishan creature cards and recording distinctive differences. This hands-on activity fosters critical thinking and observation skills.

Step 3: Alien Naming Extravaganza: Put their key-making skills to the test as they name 20 creatures using their dichotomous keys. Adapted from a reputable resource, this activity cements their understanding.

Step 4: Food Web Foundations: Transition to food webs by reviewing essential rules. Explore food web vocabulary, arrow direction, information gathering, and constructing food webs from tables.

Step 5: Interplanetary Puzzle: Dissect creatures, identify them with dichotomous keys, and analyze stomach contents—gel electrophoresis results or reconstructed creatures—to determine their diets.

Step 6: Unveiling the Alien Food Web: Assemble the pieces of the puzzle by creating a comprehensive food web for New Pamishan. Predict interconnections and relationships, pulling food chains from the web for insightful predictions.

Empowering Minds, Inspiring Discoveries:

At the culmination of their intergalactic expedition, students emerge with a profound understanding of dichotomous keys and food webs. This isn't just a lesson; it's an unforgettable experience that nurtures scientific thinking and fuels curiosity.

Elevate your remote teaching with an immersive adventure that fuses science and storytelling. Secure your access now and embark on a journey that transforms your students into true alien ecologists, mastering concepts that resonate beyond the classroom.

Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS (Middle School)

Performance Expectations (PEs)

• MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
  

• MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
  

• MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
  

• MS-LS4-2: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships (relevant through dichotomous key classification).

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)

• LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
  

• LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
  

• LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
  

• LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity

Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Analyzing and interpreting data (interpreting food web relationships).
  

• Developing and using models (food webs, classification charts).
  

• Constructing explanations (identifying roles of organisms).
  

• Engaging in argument from evidence (predicting effects of ecosystem changes).
  

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Cause and Effect (how predator/prey relationships affect populations).
  

• Energy and Matter (cycling of matter, flow of energy in food webs).
  

• Patterns (classification with dichotomous keys).
  

• Systems and System Models (ecosystems as interacting systems).

NGSS (High School)

Performance Expectations (PEs)

• HS-LS2-1: Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
  

• HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
  

• HS-LS2-3: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
  

• HS-LS2-4: Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.
  

• HS-LS2-6: Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
  

• HS-LS4-1: Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence (applies to classification through dichotomous keys).

High School DCIs

• LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
  

• LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
  

• LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
  

• LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity

SEPs & CCCs at HS level

(Same core practices, but with higher complexity expectations)

• Practices: Using mathematical models, constructing explanations, evaluating arguments, communicating information.

• Concepts: Stability and change in ecosystems, energy and matter conservation, cause and effect, systems and system models.

Common Core Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.3 – Follow precisely a multistep procedure.

Students follow branching directions in a dichotomous key to classify organisms.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.7 – Integrate information expressed visually and in text.

Students analyze food web diagrams and data tables to understand energy transfer.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-12.1 – Engage effectively in collaborative discussions.

Students work in groups to interpret food webs and discuss relationships between organisms.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 – Model with mathematics.

Students apply proportional reasoning to trophic levels and energy flow.