Biodiversity and the Interrelationships in Nature - Middle School Lesson

This life science lesson looks at the types of ecological interrelationships and how they help biodiversity, the interrelationships within and between species as well as species and their environment. It teaches predator-prey relationships, competition, as well as symbiosis (mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism). Lately, it looks at how these relationships contribute to biodiversity using a case study on coral reef ecosystems.

This lesson is intended for students in grades 6-8.

Specifically it covers the Ontario Biodiversity Unit B2.5
'Describe interrelationships within species, between species, and between species and their natural environment, and explain how these interrelationships sustain biodiversity.'

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe interrelationships within species.
2. Explain interrelationships between different species.
3. Understand how species interact with their environment.
4. Explain how these interrelationships sustain biodiversity.

This package includes the lesson (student and teacher versions of the presentation), THREE embedded videos, a 4-Question Exit Ticket on Google Forms, and a student lesson handout as a document. The presentation is fun and applicable with many opportunities for inquiry-based learning and discussion.

In order, the lesson covers:

• Types of Ecological Interrelationships
• Interrelationships Within Species and How They Help Biodiversity
• Interrelationships Between Species
• Predator-Prey Relationships
• Competition Between Species
• Symbiosis – Mutualism, Parasitism, and Commensalism
• How Between-Species Relationships Help Biodiversity
• Species and Their Environment Interrelationships
• Case Study: Coral Reef Ecosystems
• Threats to and Protecting Biodiversity Relationships

Included in the lesson package is:

• The teacher version of the presentation
• The student version of the presentation
• THREE embedded videos
• 4-Question Exit Ticket
• Student lesson handout

Google and Distance Learning Ready

• This lesson includes both Office and Google formats for ALL resources. The presentation is in PowerPoint and Google Slides while all documents contain Word and Google Doc versions.
• Your resource is perfect for distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom as I've included a link that will automatically create a copy of the resources and put them directly into your Google Drive with one click.
• Purchase --> Open --> Click --> Assign to your students

Having both options allows you to use either without worrying about formatting issues as all the work has already been done for you. It safeguards you in case your department or school decides to go Google 100% and allows you as well as your students to access everything no matter where you are or what kind of equipment is being used.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.

Also, please visit my blog Teach With Fergy for my thoughts on teaching, learning, and everything in between.