Investigation 5: How can we use what we know about energy and matter in living systems to solve problems?

Lesson 5.1 Fire ecology: how are fires important to keep our ecosystem balanced?

  • In this lesson, students will explore natural forest fire regimes to better understand their importance in the natural cycle and what happens when that cycle is disrupted. Students will look at how humans have impacted forests through fire suppression, are working to improve forest management, and what impact there has been to forests in the Southwest.
  • In this final unit investigation, students will use all of the information they have obtained to make connections between human interactions and the natural system to better understand the need to keep local ecosystems healthy.

Lesson 5.2  Is your schoolyard a healthy and diverse ecosystem?

  • In this lesson, students explore their schoolyard to assess if it is a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Students will create a schoolyard design that improves the overall health and diversity, and makes connections to why a healthy ecosystem is preferred. 
  • In this final unit investigation, students will use all of the information they have obtained to make connections between human interactions and the natural system to better understand the need to keep local ecosystems healthy.

Lesson 5.3 How are our natural landscapes beneficial to humans? How can we communicate their value?

  • In this lesson, students explore the benefits and services that our natural spaces provide to humans. Students develop a public service announcement to help the public understand the economic value in keeping our natural ecosystems healthy and productive.
  • In this final unit investigation, students will use all of the information they have obtained to make connections between human interactions and the natural system to better understand the need to keep local ecosystems healthy.

Student Science Journal

Investigation 5 Handouts and Resources