Abiotic Environment Lesson Plans
Water, rocks, wind, sun, temperature and humidity are all examples of nonliving components in ecosystems that can interact with each other and also affect living organisms. How do human activities influence the abiotic environment in urban ecosystems? For example, urbanization has led to decreased agricultural development and increased water control via dams, reservoirs, and canals. The following activities will help you and your students explore abiotic factors that shape your environment.
Lesson Plan: Exploring Microclimates
Time: 45-50 minute, Grade Level: 6-12
Background:
The contour of the land, the presence or absence of plants, moisture and time of day may result in many climates (microclimates) within one ecosystem, or in this case – your schoolyard! Comparing the land cover and temperatures in different microclimates can help students to become aware of why organisms live where they do. From their observations, they may begin to see patterns that link temperature with land cover and determine what this means for plants and animals.
Objectives:
The students will be able to:
- compare the land cover and temperatures in different microclimates to begin to explain why organisms live where they do.
- record temperature readings and detailed observations while exploring microclimates.
Lesson:
Exploring Microclimates PDF
Lesson Plan: Nature’s Water Filter – Soil Infiltration Investigation
Time: 50-60 minute, Grade Level: 4-8
Background:
The water on Earth has been here for millions of years and must be used over and over again. How is the water that we pollute going to be clean enough for later generations to use? Water is naturally filtered through layers of dirt, gravel, and sand. When the water travels through the layers it is cleaned. When it rains in the city rainfall lands on roofs or roads it may not soak into the ground. The rain water picks up pollutants, which then get washed into the nearby streams (or washes), where they pollute the watershed.
Objectives:
Students will be able to understand:
- the difference between water cycling through an urban environment versus a natural environment.
- that water is naturally filtered through particles in the soil.
- that different sized soil particles have different infiltration rates.
- that impervious surfaces contribute to pollution in our urban watershed.
Lesson:
Nature’s Water Filter – Soil Infiltration Investigation PDF
Soil Infiltration slides PDF
Lesson Plan: 15 Minute Graphs
Each of these short lessons introduces students to a different ecological research concept and allows them to interpret real data in graphical from. The Heavy Metals lesson shows patterns of heavy metal deposition from soil samples in the Phoenix Urban Area. Students analyze graphs and respond to questions to determine patterns.
Lesson:
Heavy Metals PDF