Monday, March 31, 2014

3/31/14

1. W.U. Human population growth graph
2. Chrome book time (work on #5 of Eco project:  Population Dynamics)

H.W. #5 Population Dynamics: 
a.    Define exponential growth.  Research a population found in your ecosystem that demonstrates exponential growth patterns.  Describe this population and draw a sample graph of exponential population growth of this group.
b.    Define logistic growth.  Research a population found in your ecosystem that demonstrates logistic growth patterns.  Describe this population and draw a sample graph of logistic population growth for this population.  Label all parts of the graph.
****Identify which pattern of population growth your endangered/threatened species demonstrates.  Use your organism as the example for that pattern.
c.    Define density-dependent limiting factors.  Identify 3-4 density-dependent limiting factors to population growth that impact your endangered organism.
d.    Define density-independent limiting factors.  Identify 2-3 density-independent limiting factors to population growth that impact your endangered organism.

**All parts of your Eco Portion of this project should now be complete**
**Change your google doc permision from "view" to "comment" so that I (ewilliams@hbuhsd.edu) can make comments on your google doc**

Friday, March 28, 2014

3/28/14

1. Population Dynamics
2. Human Population Growth

H.W. Ecological Footprint Assignment 

Ecology in the news  (EXTRA CREDIT:  Talk to your parent/guardian/grandparent about an ecological issue that has been in the news recently and have them write down what you shared with them and a short reflection on the issue (did they know about it, what did they know, what did you teach them, how does this make them feel etc.....)  due Monday

Thursday, March 27, 2014

3/27/14

1. W.U. Ecology in the news  (EXTRA CREDIT:  Talk to your parent/guardian/grandparent about an ecological issue that has been in the news recently and have them write down what you shared with them and a short reflection on the issue (did they know about it, what did they know, what did you teach them, how does this make them feel etc.....)  due Monday
2. Chrome Book Time

H.W. Population Growth worksheet
Finish #4 Community relationships. ***If possible, include your endangered organism in at least one of the requirements below.  (Continue to do this on your google doc)
a.    Define symbiosis.  Describe at least one example of symbiosis that occurs in your ecosystem.  You may include a picture with your description.
b.    Describe one example of a predator-prey relationship in your ecosystem.  You may also include a picture of this relationship
c.    Define keystone species.  Identify a keystone species for your ecosystem.  You may include a picture of this species.


Due Monday Work on:  Ecological Footprint Assignment

Ecology in the News Extra Credit

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

3/26/14

1. What is an Ecological (carbon) Footprint?
2. Community Interactions Continued...

H.W. Start #4 Community relationships. ***If possible, include your endangered organism in at least one of the requirements below.  (Continue to do this on your google doc)
a.    Define symbiosis.  Describe at least one example of symbiosis that occurs in your ecosystem.  You may include a picture with your description.
b.    Describe one example of a predator-prey relationship in your ecosystem.  You may also include a picture of this relationship
c.    Define keystone species.  Identify a keystone species for your ecosystem.  You may include a picture of this species.


And start this Ecological Footprint Assignment

Nothing is "officially" due tomorrow but start these assignments tonight. 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

3/25/14

1. Biogeochemical cycles (Nitrogen & Phosphorous)

H.W. #3 c.    Draw a picture of the nitrogen cycle that is present in your ecosystem.  In your picture, include a drawing of how your endangered organism contributes to this cycle.


Then do this on a separate sheet of paper:
Ecological Footprint Assignment Part I:  (use a resource of your choice (book, internet) to research the following questions.  Answer the questions in your own words.  Cite your resources (do not just use Wikipedia)

1. Explain in your own words what an ecological footprint is:
2. Why do you think it is important for people to be aware of what their ecological footprint is?
3. Do you think it is possible to perfectly calculate a person’s ecological footprint? Why or why not?
4.  Recycling is a very important in reducing your carbon footprint. What could you do that is even better then recycling?

Monday, March 24, 2014

3/24/14

1. W.U. (Verbal)  Speed Eco Term Review
2. Notes: Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon Cycle)

H.W. #3 Biogeochemical Cycles (due tomorrow)
a.    Draw a picture of the water cycle that is present in your ecosystem.  In your picture, include a drawing of how your endangered organism contributes to this cycle.
b.    Draw a picture of the carbon cycle that is present in your ecosystem.  In your picture, include a drawing of how your endangered organism contributes to this cycle.

**These pictures must be created by you.  You can use pictures from the internet to help you, but DO NOT just cut and paste these.  Create your own.  Either hand draw the cycles and show them to me tomorrow or create them electronically on your current google doc.**
*don't forget to keep track of your cited resources*

B           

3/21/14

1. W.U. Trophic Levels
2. Notes:  Biogeochemical Cycles (Water cycle)

H.W. Finish #2 Define Ecosystem (continue this on your google doc)  (you can cut and paste pictures to help you create a food web and trophic pyramid....but you must create the food web or trophic pyramid your self.  In other words, don't just copy and paste an entire food web or trophic pyramid created by someone else.  Also make sure you keep track of all of the resources that you use!!!!)
                    b.    Define food web.

                                          i.    Draw a food web for your endangered/threatened organism that includes at least 7 organisms
                                        ii.    Label each member of your food web as a primary producer, herbivore, carnivore, scavenger, or decomposer.
c.    Define trophic pyramid.
d.    Define the 10% Rule
                                          i.    Create a trophic pyramid for a simple food chain in your ecosystem that includes your endangered organism.  Include at least 4 levels in your trophic pyramid and use labels to describe how energy flow from one level to the next changes.
                    
                    You can cut and paste pictures to help you create a food web and trophic pyramid....but you must create the food web or trophic pyramid your self.  In other words, don't just copy and paste an entire food web or trophic pyramid created by someone else. 
**I will do a progress check of your entire Ecology research through #2 on Monday.**

Thursday, March 20, 2014

3/20/14

1. W.U. Share your biome/ecosystem/endangered species research
2. Notes: Energy Transfer in an Ecosystem

H.W. Finish #2 Define Ecosystem (continue this on your google doc)  (you can cut and paste pictures for your food web and trophic pyramid....just make sure you keep track of all of the resources that you use!!!!)
                    b.    Define food web.
                                          i.    Draw a food web for your endangered/threatened organism that includes at least 7 organisms
                                        ii.    Label each member of your food web as a primary producer, herbivore, carnivore, scavenger, or decomposer.
c.    Define trophic pyramid.
d.    Define the 10% Rule
                                          i.    Create a trophic pyramid for a simple food chain in your ecosystem that includes your endangered organism.  Include at least 4 levels in your trophic pyramid and use labels to describe how energy flow from one level to the next changes.

**I will do a progress check of your entire Ecology research through #2 on Monday.**