PBL ACTIVITY

Exploring the ecosystem:

Building a Minature Biosphere

summary

In this hands-on learning opportunity, 3rd-grade science students will investigate ecosystems by creating and constructing a small-scale biosphere. Through the use of technology, research, and collaborative work, students will comprehend the interconnectedness of various ecosystem elements. The culmination of the project will involve presenting their biospheres to the class and elucidating the function of each component.

Mississippi State Standard

ISTE STandard

Learners

Project-based learning elements

Assessment Plan

Materials and technologies

index

Structure Of content

Learners:

Grade Level: 3rd gradeSubject Area: ScienceClass description: The group comprises 20 students, with an equal number of boys and girls. The students have a variety of interests, such as a fondness for insects, flora, and engaging in activities like building with blocks and imaginative play.

1.1c: Empowered Learner: Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

ISTE Standard

E.3.9.1 Develop models to communicate the characteristics of the Earth's major systems, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere (e.g., digital models, illustrations, flip books, diagrams, charts, tables).

Mississippi State standard

Pre-collected research materials on ecosystems

Genially (for lesson instruction)

Ipads with ecosysytem stimulation apps

Projector

Teacher:

Student:

Materials and Technologies

Laptops/Tablets (for research)

Google slides/powerpoint/canva (for presentation

Design Tools (paper, markers, craft materials for building biospheres)

*Show examples of ecosystems (desert, rainforest, pond) to inspire students' choices*

1. Introduction

Hook: How do living and non-living components work together in an ecosystem?"

2. Form Teams

a. Divide class into teams of 4 studentsb. Assign roles (researcher, builder, presenter, tech manager)

*Encourage students to use credible sources and note their findings*

1. What are the key living and non-living components of the ecosystem?2. How do these components interact?

3. Research phase

a. Each team chooses an ecosystem to exploreb. Use laptops/ipads to research the following:

*Encourage creativity and accuracy in building*

4. Design & Build

a. Provide materials for the students to physically create a miniature model of their chosen ecosystem.b. Include living (plants, animals) and non-living components (rocks, soil, water) in the biosphere.

*Tech manager is responsible for overseeing the use of technology*

1. Explains their ecosystem2. Shows key components and interactions3. Includes visuals and descriptions from their research

5. Create digital presentation

a. Each team will use Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint to create a digital presentation that:

6. Practice presenting

a. Teams should practice explaining their biosphere and using the digital presentation.b. Focus on clear communication and making sure each student contributes to the verbal presentation.

7. public presentation

a. Teams will present their biospheres and digital slides to the class and guests.b. The teacher will provide feedback during and after the presentations.

1. What did they learn about ecosystems?2. What went well during the project?3. How did teamwork and technology help?

8. Create digital presentation

a. Each student will complete a short reflection:

9. Submit digital work

a. Students will submit their digital presentations through Google Classroom for final grading.