51ºÚÁÏ

This engaging lesson describes how an ecosystem is the interaction of a community and the non-living parts (abiotic) of their environment. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to primarily cover the content of points 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 7,1.3 of the AQA GCSE biology and combined science specifications, but opportunities are taken to challenge the students on their knowledge of previously-covered topics including active transport and classification.

As shown in the cover image, a BLOCKBUSTERS quiz is used throughout the lesson to introduce (or remind) students to ecological key terms, and the lesson begins by challenging them to recall population and species which were met in topic 6. Next up is community, and then biotic factors, and students will learn that changes to these living factors can affect the community. A series of prior knowledge checks then cover the absorption of mineral ions by active transport and students will understand that plants compete with each other for the absorption of these ions and water, as well as light and space. The resources competed for by animals is also covered, and a series of exam-style questions is used to challenge the students to apply their understanding of competition to a real-world example. Answers to all questions are embedded into the PowerPoint to allow students to assess their understanding. This exam question has been differentiated to allow all students with access to the work.

Moving forwards, the students will consider the abiotic factors that affect a community and in doing so, will learn that an ecosystem is the interaction between a community and these abiotic factors. Another exam-style question challenges them to challenge their understanding of the lesson topic as well as previously-covered topics including classification hierarchy.

There is a second lesson covering the content of 7.1 (communities) on adaptations and this has also been uploaded.