Introduction

Review last lesson "Kangaroo Island Ecosystems."

What is an ecosystem? What can it tell you about a particular animal? What are some of our local ecosystems? Are they in balance?

Activity

Students split into three groups.

Books handed out

Desert Rain

Exploring Tide Pools

In the Rainforest

Each student in each group given a copy of the same book. (Students put in ability grouping.) Students to read books individually and do a Think, Pair and Share eventually  joining back together to discuss questions below.

Why are some animals are found in certain ecosystems? 

Does your ecosystem contain animals found no where else, why?

What happens if that ecosystem is destroyed?  

Students describe ecosystem/s as discussed in books. One student record all ideas using subheadings e.g. flora fauna etc.

Join back as a whole class, one student from each group reports back to rest of class describing their book's ecosystem and  noting how it compares to those on Kangaroo Island. 

Teacher then to lead whole class discussion on how the balance of each ecosystem could be altered. Can these balances be fixed? Students to record answers into exercise book.

Evaluation

Can students describe their ecosystem under subheadings? Can they recognise that the balance of an ecosystem can be upset? Can they make comparisons between it and another. Do they uderstand why it's important to preserve all ecosystems?