Natural Science - Term 2 - Week 7

In this lesson, we will review the major topics covered in Term 2, including ecosystems, energy transfer, and the scientific method. Understanding these concepts is crucial as they form the foundation for more advanced studies in Natural Science. We will also discuss the importance of scientific vocabulary in communicating ideas effectively.

Consider a simple food chain: grass → rabbit → fox. Here, grass (producer) converts sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. The rabbit (primary consumer) eats the grass, obtaining energy, and the fox (secondary consumer) eats the rabbit. This example illustrates energy transfer through trophic levels, highlighting the flow of energy in an ecosystem.

Students will receive a list of key vocabulary terms related to ecosystems and energy transfer. They will work in pairs to match each term with its correct definition. For example, terms like 'producer', 'consumer', and 'decomposer' will be included. This activity encourages collaboration and reinforces understanding of essential terminology.

Students will write a short paragraph reflecting on what they found easy and challenging during this term. They will also create a simple food web using at least five organisms, labeling producers, consumers, and decomposers. This task allows students to apply their knowledge creatively while reflecting on their learning journey.

• Water
• Soil
• Sunlight
• Carbon Dioxide

Answer: Sunlight

Producers, such as plants, use sunlight to perform photosynthesis, converting it into chemical energy.

• Grass
• Rabbit
• Fox
• Decomposer

Answer: Rabbit

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; in this case, the rabbit eats grass.

• They produce energy
• They consume primary consumers
• They break down dead organic matter
• They compete with producers

Answer: They break down dead organic matter

Decomposers recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organisms, returning essential elements to the soil.

Answer: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Ecosystems include both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components that interact with each other.

• Respiration
• Photosynthesis
• Transpiration
• Fermentation

Answer: Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen.

Answer: A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another.

Food chains illustrate the feeding relationships between organisms in an ecosystem.

• They can make their own food
• They are usually green
• They consume other organisms