• Use the suggested answers supplied to assess learners informally. Discuss the answers with the class and ask for a show of hands to determine the number of learners who answered correctly.


Topic 2


Interactions and interdependence within the environment


Unit 1 Introduction to ecology and ecosystems Learner’s Book pages 20–25 Unit overview


This unit describes what ecology is all about. Learners will read and learn what populations, communities, ecosystems and the biosphere are in the context of ecology. This unit also describes the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. Learners will explore how to select and mark off an ecosystem in order to study it.


Resources


Thermometer, hand lens, string and kebab sticks (for quadrats or transects), metre stick/tape measure, sieve, field guides, cell phones for photographs (optional)


TIP! Ask learners to help you draw up a diagram depicting the classroom ecosystem. Teaching guidelines


• Take the class outside into the school grounds and ask them to identify organisms around them. Have a class discussion, and introduce the terms “habitat”, “biosphere” and “community”.


• Ask learners to identify different ecosystems in their school grounds, parks, or gardens at home.


Activity 1 Describe interactions Learner’s Book page 21 Guidelines to implement this activity


• This is a group activity (four learners per group). • Divide learners into groups and ask them look at and discuss the pictures in the Learner’s book. Ask them to make notes about their discussion.


• After they have finished their discussions, get the class together again and discuss the results.


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