What this lesson teaches
This activity develops understanding of ecosystems and their interdependence. Students learn about producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Science in Action
Can you finish ecosystem model in about 35 min?
Ecosystem Model
You will this activity develops understanding of ecosystems and their interdependence.
Duration35 min
Age GroupAges 11–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectScience
See how this hands-on lesson works
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What you need
- Cardboard box
- Soil or sand
- Small plants or paper cutouts
- Dried leaves
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How the activity runs
- Gather a box, soil, and small plants or drawings.
- Create layers for land, water, and air in the box.
- Add plants or drawings to represent producers.
The learning connection
Hands-on activities make learning memorable and engaging. Creating a model allows students to visualize concepts and see relationships in ecosystems.
Try it with your learner
1. Find a cardboard box and place it on a flat surface. 2. Add a layer of soil to one side for land. 3. Create a water section using plastic wrap or a small container. 4. Draw or add small plants as producers in the soil area. 5. Cut out paper animals and place them in the model as consumers. 6. Scatter dried leaves around for decomposers. What did you notice?