2.1.1 Ecosystems

Enter!

EXITING THE PARK

EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX: Video

The Pittsburgh Zoo!

Unit 2 focuses on Ecosystems!

What better place to learn about them than in one of the largest man-made ecosystems, a zoo! Today, we are going to walk through the zoo and explore different types of ecosystems, as well as the factors that make these ecosystems work!

THE ISLANDS: Energy

Ecosystems need ENERGY

Many organisms get energy from sunlight.

AQUARIUM: Factors

Let's check out some more abiotic and biotic factors in the Penguin Cam!

An ecosystem is all of the living and non-living things in an area. Some scientists choose ecology, the study of ecosystems, as their specialty. These scientists are called ecologists.

THE VILLAGE: Ecosystems & Ecology

Think about the world outside of your window. Maybe you have a park nearby or a wooded area. What do you find there? People, animals, plants, benches, rocks, water, etc.? All of these things make up an organism's ecosystem.

What are some biotic and non-biotic factors in this ecosystem?

FOREST PASSAGE: Biotic & Abiotic Factors

As you know, biotic factors are living things. Abiotic factors are non-living things.

FOREST PASSAGE: Cycles

As we cycle back through the forest passage, we'll learn about cycles!

AFRICAN SAVANNA: Energy

2 Types of Animals: Producers & Consumers

JUNGLE ODYSSEY

Forests, Aquariums, Jungles...

Producer

Abiotic

Consumer

Habitat

Ecology

Ecosystem

Organisms that eat other organisms for energy

Environment where organisms are naturally found

Organisms that make their own food

All of the living and non-living things in an area

Something that was never alive

The study of ecosystems

SECURITY!

Before you enter, here's what you need to know...

ENTRANCE GATE:

Learners Can...

• describe the main components of an ecosystem
• explain how matter and energy move through an ecosystem

Objectives: