Download Ecological Cycle Comic-Book Instructions

Ecological Cycle Journey
-Presentation Instructions
Standards:
9-11 LS2A TRANSFERS AND CYCLES OF MATTER AND ENERGY Matter cycles and energy flows through living and
nonliving components in ecosystems. The transfer of matter and energy is important for maintaining the health and
sustainability of an ecosystem
Purpose: This activity is to document the journey of a atom/molecule as it cycles through living and non-living components
in ecosystems. This transfer of matter is important for maintaining the health and sustainability of an ecosystem.
Objectives:
1.
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To illustrate how plants and animals cycle matter within an ecosystem (including the non-living parts).
To illustrate how matter cycles in ecosystems, resulting in the formation of different chemical compounds.
To identify the inputs and outputs in an ecological cycle.
To explore the consequences of disrupting an ecological cycle.
Directions:
1. Choose a partner in class that you think will make a successful team with you.
2. Tell Ms. Wieland your choice.
3. Ms. Wieland will assign you and your partner a type of cycle to research.
4. Your team will create a presentation that illustrates the path the atom/molecule in this cycle will take.
5. Mode of Expression: No more than 3 groups may do each of modes of expression. First come, first serve.
Designed/Built
 Display
 Model
Artistic
 Painting
 Photography
 Illustration
 Poster
 Comic Strip
Technology
 PowerPoint
 PublisherNewsletter
 Webquest
Other
There are many paths that the atom/molecule can take (those are up to you two!). It must eventually cycle back to where it
started. It is up to your team whether the journey is more on the realistic or the funny side, though the tour must be
founded on good science! The journey must have the following features (use the rubric to check off!):
Logistics (20% of your score):
___ Presentation must be neat and easy to understand.
___ Presentation must be colorful.
___ The first part needs to have a title (you make up) that includes the name of the cycle, your names, date and class period.
___ The journey must take place over at least 5 parts (slides/frames/sections) . You can spread those out as you like. All illustrations
and written descriptions of the action must take place in the parts.
___ Be creative with the story of the journey! The most effective journey will be shared with the class.
The Science Behind the Journey (80% of your score):
___ The atom/molecule must end up where it began.
___ The atom/molecule must travel through at least 4 different locations. The beginning and end should be the same therefore counts
as 1 location.
___ The journey must accurately explain how the atom/molecule gets from place to place.
___ You must address all of the following terms, depending on which cycle you are illustrating:
___ Answer the reflection questions in complete sentences on your own paper.
Water
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Water
Transpiration
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
Stomata
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Carbon
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Carbon Dioxide
Glucose
Fossil Fuels
Chloroplasts
Mitochondria
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Nitrogen
Nitrogen Gas
Nitrate
Nitrite
Ammonia
Nitrifying Bacteria
Lightening