Ecosystems
For this project, we selected an biome with an issue that effects one organism within it; my group researched the problems faced by the green sea turtle in the marine biome. We then were tasked with researching the issue and contributing a viable solution, even if our solution only fixed the problem partially. We created a bracelet business with the proceeds benefiting turtles through a charity. We also informed our classmates of the issue and much of what connects to it.
Here is our slideshow
Here is our slideshow
TERMS:
Symbiosis
The interactions of organisms living in close proximity. There are several types of symbiosis
that result in positive, negative, or neutral effects for the involved organisms.
Competition: 2 individuals needing the same resource. (-,-)
Parasitism/Consumption: one organism feeds on or uses another (+,-)
Commensalism: one organism benefits and the other doesn't have an effect (+,0)
Mutualism: both organisms benefit (+,+)
We used these to learn about relationships in ecosystems
Photosynthesis:
plants use water (6 H20), carbon dioxide (6 CO2), and sunlight (energy) to create
glucose (C6 H12 O6) and oxygen (6 O2)
Cellular Respiration:
plants convert the glucose (C6 H12 O6) and oxygen (6 O2) produced during photosynthesis
into water (6 H20), carbon dioxide (6 CO2), and energy (38 ATP)
We used this to learn how energy is brought into the ecosystem
Energy Flow
Autotrophs (producers) convert energy either from the sun (photosynthesis) or from chemicals in the environment (chemosynthesis) . They are the primary producers in an ecosystem. From there, energy moves up the trophic levels.
Trophic levels show what certain animals eat, and what level consumers they are. First level consumers give their energy through consumption to second level consumers, and the process continues. At the top of the process is the apex predator.
The number of trophic levels in an ecosystem stays around 3 or 4, due to the 10% rule which states that only 10% of the energy moves on to the next trophic level. This means that each additional trophic level would have to eat ten times the amount of food the previous level eats to get the same amount of energy.
We used this to learn about consumption and how energy moves through the trophic levels.
If you're still interested and want to learn more about Ecology, click here:
REFLECTION
Overall, I really enjoyed this project because we actually got a chance to get up and help a problem. I thought our instagram turned out well. It was informative and persuasive. I saw that some improvement is needed in our marketing to actually generate revenue to donate to the charity, because as of now our business is pretty local.
I learned that I enjoy helping those in need, as we did through our marketing campaign. I also learned that for big changes to happen, small changes must take place. We attempted to solve a big problem by starting small scale selling bracelets, and informing the public that they can do their part to help, like producing less trash.
I thought that productivity wasn't a problem, but also realized the importance of and will continue to work on staying productive throughout the entire period of time given. This was evident some days in the classroom when we did nothing once the work was done, instead of improving what we had. I am also continually working on seeking to be understood easiest by the receiving audience, because I realize that they shouldn't have to work to understand. I should work to make what I am saying clear and understandable. This was evident through our in-class presentation, slideshow, and instagram page.
I would like to thank my teacher for giving us the opportunity to make a lasting impact and make change for the better.