Ecology Expedition

- Analyze how parts of an ecosystem are interrelated.

- Plan and conduct an investigateion related to biodiversity and soil characteristics and the stability of an ecosystem.

- Evaluate the leading cause and the merit of solution to a problem caused when the environment changes due to a invasive species.- Identify biological diversity as it relates to the stability of an ecosystems degree of degredation.

Zip-lining may be fun, but it can also be used to explore the ecosystems that exist along the rim of the New River Gorge. Incorporating curriculum-standard-based activities, teachers will be able to enrich textbook lessons through a hands-on science day. During this full day trip, students learn how plants, animals and non-living factors play critical roles in their environment. Among other activities that teach self-awareness and human impacts, students will record the biodiversity of the New River Gorge.

S.T.E.M. Lesson PlanEcology

Objectives/Understandings:

Essential Questions/Guiding Questions:

- What is an ecosystem?

- How are abiotic factors, plants and animals interrelated?

- What plant and animal species can be found in the New River Gorge?

- How do some plant and animal species adapt to their environment?

- Is climate change affecting local flora and fauna?

- How can laymen contribute to science?

- Classify and analyze characteristics of different soil.

- Practice scientific skills participating in citizen science program.

- Evaluate the human impact to an ecosystem.

Overview Procedure:

- Introduction (15 minutes)- Carrying Capacity (45 minutes) or Energy Pipeline (45 minutes)- Ecological Comparison and Citizen Science (100 minutes)

- Conclusion (15 min)- Zip-line discussing and observing the forest ecology (3 hours)