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  • Ecosystems LIVE Episode 1 – Activity – Land Use Context
A preview of the first page of the activity for the first episode of Ecosystems LIVE
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Ecosystems LIVE Episode 1 – Activity – Land Use Context

  • Activity
  • Middle School
  • Upper Elementary
  • 1 Classroom Period
  • 1 Hour
  • Citizen Science
  • Insects
  • Wildlife
  • Animal Nests
  • Animal Tracks
  • Bird Song
  • Bird Watching
  • Land Use
  • Observation
  • Rural
  • Scat
  • Suburban
  • Urban
A preview of the first page of the activity for the first episode of Ecosystems LIVE
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After watching episode 1 of Ecosystems LIVE about human impacts on mammals, you can try this Nature Nearby Challenge.

In this activity, you will observe the land use context around you by going outside and making observations at opposite ends of your schoolyard, yard, park, or other safe outdoor area.

Materials:

  • Observation log (included)
  • Pencil or other writing utensil

Ecosystems LIVE Episode 1 – Activity – Land Use Context

Thumbnail for Ecosystems LIVE episode 1. It features a squirrel and reads Human Impacts on Mammals

Part Of

Ecosystems LIVE: Nature Nearby Episode 1

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Standards addressed in this Activity:

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of K-12 science education standards emphasizing inquiry-based learning, real-world applications, and integrating engineering practices, aiming to deepen understanding of science while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • MS-ESS3-3
    Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
  • MS-LS1-5
    Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
  • MS-LS2-1
    Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
  • MS-LS2-2
    Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
  • MS-LS2-4
    Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
  • MS-LS2-5
    Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Common Core Standards are educational benchmarks in the United States that outline clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do in English language arts and mathematics from kindergarten through 12th grade, aiming to ensure consistency and coherence in education nationwide.
  • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
  • Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
  • Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.
  • Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.
  • Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
  • Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
  • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
  • Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
  • Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.
  • Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.
  • Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
  • Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
  • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
  • Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
  • Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
  • Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.
  • Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Social Studies Standards are educational guidelines outlining the essential knowledge, skills, and concepts students should learn in subjects such as history, geography, civics, and economics, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, historical events, and global perspectives.
  • People, Places, and Environments

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  • Related from Natural Inquirer

Related Resources from the Natural Inquirer

  • A pdf preview of the episode 1 graphic organizer for Ecosystems LIVE.
    Use this graphic organizer to guide students through Episode 1 of Ecosystems LIVE. Topics include biotic and abiotic factors of ecosystems, the difference between biodiversity and species abundance, and a...

    Ecosystems LIVE Episode 1 – Graphic Organizer – Human Impacts on Mammals

    • Activity
    • Middle School
    • Upper Elementary
    • Less than 30 minutes
    • Wildlife
    • Biodiversity
    • Ecosystem
    • Human Impacts
    • Land Use
    • Research
    • Rural
    • Suburban
    • Urban
    Use this graphic organizer to guide students through Episode 1 of Ecosystems LIVE. Topics include biotic and abiotic factors of ecosystems, the difference between biodiversity and species abundance, and a...
    • Explore Activity
    • Download Graphic Organizer (PDF)
    • Explore Activity
    • Download Graphic Organizer (PDF)

    Part Of

    Ecosystems LIVE: Nature Nearby Episode 1

  • Logo for Ecosystems LIVE: Nature Nearby
    During this program in the FSNatureLIVE series, we learned about how the environment and human actions impact animals as well as how you can investigate what animals live near you....

    Ecosystems LIVE: Nature Nearby

    • Virtual Learning Adventure
    • Middle School
    • Upper Elementary
    • 4 Classroom Periods
    • Citizen Science
    • Insects
    • Pollinators
    • Wildlife
    • Animal Nests
    • Animal Tracks
    • Bird Watching
    • Camera Traps
    • Ecosystems
    • Human Impacts
    • Insects
    • Mammals
    • Observation
    • Outdoor Safety
    • Pollinators
    • Stewardship
    • Wildlife
    During this program in the FSNatureLIVE series, we learned about how the environment and human actions impact animals as well as how you can investigate what animals live near you....
    • Explore Virtual Learning Adventure
    • Explore Virtual Learning Adventure

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The Natural Inquirer program produces a variety of science education materials for PreK through grade 12. Natural Inquirer products are produced by the USDA Forest Service, FIND Outdoors, and other cooperators and partners.

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