Life Science Unit 7: Ecology

This is the seventh and final unit of the Life Science course for middle school students. It focuses on ecology and includes 6 lessons:

  1. Introduction to Ecology: The Biosphere
  2. Abiotic Factors
  3. Biotic Factors
  4. Ecological Interactions
  5. Ecological Disruptions
  6. Ecological Sustainability

In these lessons, students will learn about the main systems within their own body, as well as how to keep them healthy.

Unit Overview: Diversity of Life

This unit on ecology is designed to deepen student understanding of how living things are all connected to each other. This unit draws from many topics previously covered to provide a cohesive conclusion to the course overall.

Students will learn about the various roles living things play within the environment. They will also explore how energy flows through ecosystems and how ecosystems are affected by factors such as natural disasters.

1

Lesson 1: Introduction to Ecology: The Biosphere

In this lesson, students will learn about the structure of the biosphere and how it supports life. They will also learn about the various biomes that exist on Earth and their characteristics.

2

Lesson 2: Abiotic Factors

In this lesson, students will learn about the non-living components that help build ecosystems. They will also learn about the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles and their importance.

3

Lesson 3: Biotic Factors

In this lesson, students will learn about the living components that help build ecosystems. They will learn about the structure of ecological communities and the roles organisms play within them.

4

Lesson 4: Ecological Interactions

In this lesson, students will learn how living things interact within ecosystems. They will learn about parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, and predation and how they are important to communities.

5

Lesson 5: Ecological Disruptions

In this lesson, students will learn about factors that affect the stability of ecosystems. They will learn about the benefits of biodiversity and the effects that disruptions can have on ecosystems.

6

Lesson 6: Ecological Sustainability

In this lesson, students will learn about the global importance of biodiversity. They will learn how human activities are impacting ecosystems and what steps can be taken to increase sustainability.

Miacademy’s Science Curriculum

Life Science is just one of the lessons offered in Miacademy’s comprehensive homeschool science curriculum. If you have any questions about our curriculum, please reach out to one of our amazing customer service agents any time!