Predicting Changes in Ecosystems Student-Led Station Lab - Gr 5, New TEKS 5.12B

Modular and student-led, these activities on the impacts of changes in ecosystems cover the ecosystems 2021 TEKS 5.12B standard. It will keep your 5th grade class engaged and learning throughout this life science lesson. These comprehensive materials will save you a TON of prep time while giving upper elementary students a chance to direct their own learning. 

In this station lab, students will predict how changes in the ecosystem affect the cycling of matter and flow of energy in a food web.

DIFFERENTIATED, MODULAR, STUDENT-LED

Each station lab has nine differentiated activities that help the student create a personalized learning experience. In this student-centered approach, the teacher facilitates student learning rather than directing it.

The nine modular stations include all the signage, literature, resources, and task cards for the students to complete independently or in small groups. The stations may also require a few materials that you likely already have in your lab for the Explore It! station.

THE STATIONS

INPUT Stations offer multimodal ways to encounter new concepts about the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems to help minimize risks that come from changes, including:

Explore It! – This station includes an activity that allows the student to connect information through application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Watch It! – Students watch a short video at this station and answer questions about the flow of matter and energy throughout an ecosystem.

Read It! – At this station, students read a short passage about how like a puzzle, the parts of a forest are connected, which can help organisms to survive changes that can disrupt ecosystems and answer questions about the reading and vocabulary terms. There are differentiated passages, now in English and Spanish, for readers that need a shorter, easier text.

Research It! – This station gives students facts, images, and graphs to connect with their learning about how overgrazing and invasive species in various ecosystems around the world can have negative impacts. Students will perform tasks and answer related questions on their lab sheet. 

OUTPUT Stations provide multiple ways for students to show what they have learned as they explain the effects on ecosystems that are caused by human activities such as development, the use of fossil fuels, and unregulated harvesting.

Organize It! – The students work hands-on with manipulatives at this station. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Illustrate It! – At this station, the student sketches or draws out an example of a local ecosystem before and after a change caused by either human development or a lack of predators. This visual learning activity allows for better recall and retention of new information.

Write It! – At this station, the students respond to short answer prompts that allow them to communicate their knowledge using complete sentences.

Assess It! – The students demonstrate their understanding of how changes in ecosystems can disrupt the flow of energy and the cycling of matter, causing catastrophic effects using a series of task cards with questions and a paragraph that uses vocabulary in context.

Bonus Station - Challenge It! – Early finishers and advanced students will love the extension activities in this station. Expand their learning through crosswords, games, and mini projects.

Can This Resource Be Used for Virtual Learning?

Yes! Station labs have been created so that students can use them on campus or in a virtual learning environment.

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