Find an ecosystem near you!
You might live on the edge of a stream, or near a field, or by the ocean or in the mountains. Or you may live in a city where there’s a park. Maybe you have a garden in your backyard, or there’s a tree planted on the sidewalk in front of your apartment building.
All of these things are ECOSYSTEMS! They are ALL important.
The ecosystem you might find could be under a rock. Have you ever lifted up a rock and seen loads of insects and worms scurrying out of sight? That is a small ecosystem. They are living a whole life down there and their jobs are very important. The worms are eating things and fertilizing the ground. Many of the insects you see eat pests that can destroy crops, or break down dead leaves so they go back into the soil. (Remember our lesson about biodegrading?) Insects pollinate our food (remember about the bees) and aerate our soil. Meaning they create little roads through our ground so that our soil doesn’t become like a rock and the nutrients can’t get through to the plants.
The ecosystem you find could be in a small tree. Or near a bush. Maybe near a stream or in a pond. Under a rock. Dig a hole. Just take a close look.
Be an observer.
Download the worksheet for Module #4. Complete the checklist and draw pictures of all the types of living things you see in your ecosystem. The BIODIVERSITY. Remember that if any one of those living things, plant or animal disappeared it would affect the entire ecosystem. If a few of those things disappeared the whole ecosystem could die.
Become an Expert
Do some research on the major ecosystem you have chosen and find out what factors might be hurting it. POLLUTION, DROUGHT, FIRES, FLOODS, DEFORESTATION, TOXIC DUMPING.
Make a list of a few of the unique animals that live in this ecosystem. Are there any that are endangered?
Make a list of a few of the unique plant species found in this ecosystem and determine if they are in danger of extinction.
Pick one of the ENDANGERED SPECIES that you have found and investigate what is causing their endangerment or EXTINCTION.
Research what organizations are currently advocating for that Endangered Species and see if you can help.
Try to determine what everyone can do individually to help this ecosystem.
