Ecosystems: An Overview
These sites are an overview of ecosystems including what they are, how they are different from and related to habitats and biomes, and how to preserve ecosystems. Classroom activities and online exercises are included. There are links to eThemes resources on animal survival and habitats including overview, deserts, forests, grasslands, ponds and lakes, rainforests, tundras, wetlands, and mountains.
Grades
- 2,
- 3,
- 4,
- 5
Links
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Cycle of Life 2
Explains importance of insects in food web. Builds on activity: Cycle of Life 1.
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Cycle of Life 1
Lesson that explains food chains and role of plants and sun as foundation of chain.
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Desert Life
Explore the American Southwest through a video and descriptions of the desert ecosystem.
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Ecology Facts
Learn how living and nonliving things and the food web are connected in ecosystems.
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PBS: Ecosystems
This site provides overview information about different types of ecosystems. Case studies and exercises are included.
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Living Things: Habitats, Biomes, and Habitats
Understand the difference among ecosystems, biomes, and habitats.
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Eco-Storybook
See how your actions can affect ecosystems from these interactive storybooks.
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Ecosystems: Plants Lesson Plan
This lesson plan provides activities that help students explore the concept of ecosystems. NOTE: This site includes ads.
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Habitats of the World
This lesson plan provides activities to help students learn about various habitats of the world. NOTE: This site includes ads.
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Ecosystems and Climate
This site provides activities for students to learn how climate effects ecosystems.
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Soil and Ecosystems
This site provides activities for students to learn how soil effects ecosystems
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BBC: The Hedgerow Ecosystem
Learn about a small-scale ecosystem and how it changes overtime. NOTE: This site has a link that leads to a message board.
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eThemes Resource: Ecosystems: Animal Survival
Learn how Earth's natural processes and people's activities affect the ecosystems and animal world. Find out how well different species adapt to new conditions and fight for survival. Learn about endangered animals and projects for their protection. Includes links to eThemes resources about endangered species, animal survival adaptation, habitats and their threats, pollution, and more.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: An Overview
This resource covers the different ecosystems on our planet. Find out how these biomes differ, what characteristics make them unique, and where they are located. Includes a map of the different habitats found in Missouri and information about habitats in Utah. There are links to eThemes Resources on specific habitats and animal food chains.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Deserts
Learn about the climate and general characteristics of desert habitats that are located on several continents. There is information about the Great Basin in Utah, a cold desert. Includes maps and charts. There are links to eThemes Resources on desert animals, desert survival, and an overview of habitats.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Forests
These sites are about deciduous, coniferous, and taiga forests and their ecosystems. Includes photographs of these forests, plus information about the climate, animals, and plants that are particular to each forest type. Find out where in the world these forests are located. Includes links to eThemes resources on threats to forests, Arbor Day, trees, and habitats.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Forests: Threats
Learn about the ecological problems facing many forests. The issues include acid rain, air pollution, logging, tree diseases, and more. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on forests.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Grasslands
These sites have information about the different types of grassland habitats found throughout the world. Includes savannas, prairies, and steppes. Learn more about the climate and wildlife that are found in these ecosystems. There is also information about grasslands in Missouri and Utah. An eThemes Resource on habitats is included.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Ponds and Lakes
These sites focus on ponds and lakes. Find out what plants and animals thrive in these ecosystems. Includes a story about a frog living in a pond, tips on pond dipping, and a mathematical formula for calculating the surface acreage of ponds. Also learn about energy pyramids, nitrogen and carbon cycles, and biotic and abiotic factors. There are links to eThemes Resources on the water cycle and habitats.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Rainforests
These sites are about tropical and temperate rainforests. Experience the sights and sounds of rainforests in the U.S., Tasmania, and South America. Includes activities, puzzles, a movie and a game, plus a list of rainforest books for children. There are links to eThemes Resources on Brazil, the children's book "The Great Kapok Tree," and habitats.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Tundras
These sites are about the types of climate, wildlife, and vegetation that are found in tundras. Locate tundras on maps and view photographs. Learn the difference between alpine and Arctic tundras. There are links to eThemes Resources on Arctic inhabitants, Arctic explorers, Alaska, Canada, and habitats.
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eThemes Resource: Habitat: Wetlands
Read about the different types of wetlands (swamps, marshes, and bogs) and find out why these habitats are in danger of disappearing. Learn more about the plants and animals that make up this ecosystem. Includes many photographs. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on habitats.
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eThemes Resource: Habitats: Mountains
These links are about mountain habitats and the various plants and animals that live there. Read about the mountain gorilla and the mountain lion. There are links to eThemes resources on mountain goats, mountain men, landforms, and food chains and webs.
Education Standards
