Ecosystems
Grades 6-8
Ecosystems is an engaging Environmental Education Program designed for 6th through 8th grades at the Boardman River Nature Center. In this 2 hour program, students will explore what defines an ecosystem, why they are important, and what we can do to help preserve and conserve our natural environment. Through interactive games and an outdoor hiking adventure on the Natural Education Reserve, students will see different ecosystems first-hand and gain a better understanding of their relationship and other species’ relationships to the ecosystems we interact with every day. It was developed to inspire exploration, appreciation, and conservation of our natural world.
This program was created specifically for grades 6-8 but can be adapted for other age groups as well.
Ecosystems will include three components:
What makes up an ecosystem?:
The Ecosystems program provides students with the opportunity to interactively learn predator/prey relationships between populations of animals and how the changes in one population may positively or negatively affect another.
How are different species populations related?:
Students will understand the factors influencing and creating soil erosion: water, wind, slope and soil type. They will understand that human activity can cause erosion and conservation practices can prevent erosion.
Where did all of the land go?:
This program will help students discover what happens to the animals and resources of ecosystems as parcels of land are bought and used to serve ever-growing human needs.