Grade 6 NST (Term 1): Ecosystems, Photosynthesis, Food chains and Food webs bundle

Part 1: This bundle begins with a Powerpoint presentation on ECOSYSTEMS. An Ecosystem is defined, and the importance of preserving biodiversity on earth is explained. Climate change, and how this may affect the environment and the animals that live there is discussed, and related to how the ecosystems of earth have changed over time. The term ‘ecological niche’ is simply defined and explained as it relates to understanding ecosystems. The presentation concludes with some suggestions as to how we can help preserve the environment and ecosystems of our earth.

Part 2: The Powerpoint presentation on PHOTOSYNTHESIS gives a visual and detailed explanation as to how photosynthesis works, and explains how plants use sunlight, water, air and soil to make their own food (glucose), and store it as starch (CAPS topics covered include Plants and Food, Plants and Air). The effect that the lack of sunlight had on photosynthesis when a meteorite hit the earth some 65 million years ago is used to illustrate the importance of photosynthesis to life on earth.

Part 3: A Powerpoint presentation covers FOOD CHAINS AND FOOD WEBS, marine and terrestrial. How food chains and food webs function is explained, and illustrated examples are given of both marine and terrestrial systems, with holistic background information on the plants and animals that form them. The  role of producers, consumers, and decomposers in healthy ecosystems and food webs is explained and illustrated, as are the effects of damage to a part of the food chain or web, and the importance of pollination.

The  .pdf contains illustrations and information on how palaeontologists unlock information about past ecosystems and food chains.

Please watch the Powerpoint presentations in the order shown above.