Ecology
This unit uses various classroom, laboratory, and field techniques to cover key components of ecology. Topics covered include: element cycles, interdependence, population dynamics, adaptations, and environmental concerns. All of the concepts are related to the ecology of the Front Range of Colorado. Many local examples are used, and field experiences are a key component.
6 - 8
Note that periods are assumed to be 75 minutes long.
| Day | Topic/Activity | Key Concepts |
| 1 | Water cycle - local examples and diagrams |
Water cycle, renewable resources |
| 2 | Water cycle activity – local examples and the water cycle column | Water cycle, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, ground water |
| 3 | Water cycle - renewable resources and water conservation |
Conservation |
| 4 | Journey of a drop of water – writing assignment begins. Overview of local ecosystem |
Ecology and ecosystem |
| 5 | Alpine ecosystem |
Adaptations |
| 6 | Sub-alpine ecosystem | Food chains/webs, energy flow, adaptations |
| 7 | Montane ecosystem |
Habitat, niche, food webs, energy flow, adaptations |
| 8 | Grasslands eosystem |
Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, habitat, niche, food webs, energy flow, adaptations |
| 9 | Riparian ecosystem, protected habitat, endangered species (example: Prebles Meadow jumping mouse) |
Endangered species, habitat, niche, food webs, energy flow, adaptations |
| 10 | Walking field trip to South Boulder Creek Riparian Habitat, habitat analysis pamphlet, see scientific research in action |
Exotic species, endangered species, habitat, niche, food webs, energy flow, adaptations |
| 11 | Discussion about field trip. What's the value of the Riparian Habitat? What's the value of the endangered species (Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse)? What's the value of Open Space? |
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| 12 | Preparation for the big field trip; practice techniques for gathering data on field trip |
Basic water chemistry, insect survey |
| 13 | Whole day field trip looking at Boulder's watershed and the surrounding ecosystems; field research - stream survey |
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| 14 | Discussion of the field trip - looking at data from stream survey |
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| 15 | Working on the story of a drop of water |
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| 16 | Finish working on the story of a drop of water. |
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