K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Ecosystems

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem.
  • Explain how biotic factors such as plants and animals interact and affect each other in an ecosystem.
  • Describe the role of abiotic factors like water, sunlight, temperature, and soil in supporting biotic factors.
  • Analyze how changes in biotic or abiotic factors can impact the overall functioning of an ecosystem.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson with an engaging discussion on the importance of ecosystems and how both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors contribute to their balance.

Go to the Lesson

Direct Instruction

Introduce biotic and abiotic factors using examples from various ecosystems, such as forests and deserts. Highlight how these factors interact and support each other.

Utilize the video 'Ecosystem Organisation' to demonstrate the levels of organization within ecosystems and the interactions between biotic and abiotic components.

Video thumbnail

Guided Exploration

Watch the video 'Abiotic Factors in Ecosystems – Water' to explore the role of water in ecosystems, emphasizing its impact on plant photosynthesis and organism diversity.

Video thumbnail

Engage students in identifying biotic and abiotic factors in their local environment and discuss how they interact.

Hands-On Activity

Conduct a classroom activity where students classify various items as biotic or abiotic and explain their roles in an ecosystem.

Use the 'Biotic and Abiotic Factors' assessment to reinforce learning by having students draw or paste pictures of ecosystems and list the factors.

Assessment thumbnail

Independent Practice

Assign students to research and present on a specific ecosystem, identifying its biotic and abiotic factors and their interactions.

Check for Understanding

Facilitate a class discussion to review key concepts and ask students to provide examples of how changes in abiotic factors can affect biotic components.

Review and Reflection

Reflect on the importance of maintaining balance in ecosystems and discuss human impacts on biotic and abiotic factors.

Assessment and Extension

Administer the 'Sunlight – Comprehension' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of sunlight as an abiotic factor.

Assessment thumbnail

Encourage students to explore further by researching the impact of climate change on abiotic factors and presenting their findings.

Try the Quiz

Custom Subscription Plan

Please reach out to your dedicated support agent to make changes to your custom subscription plan.

Free Usage Limit Reached!

You have reached the usage limit under a free subscription. 
This will reset in 1 hour. 
Please try again later, or consider upgrading your account. Thanks!

Password Reset Successfully!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Reset Password

Enter the email address associated with your account.

Subscription Update Error

There was an error updating the subscription.

Subscription Updated

Your subscription was successfully updated. Enjoy!

Insufficient Privelages

You are not authorized to make changes to the subscription plan of this account. 
Please contact the appropriate administrator.

Manage Subscription

Prices are in US Dollars.

Free

  • Limited daily access
  • 10% off all eBook purchases

Home

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 20% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

Classroom

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 30% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

School

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 40% off all eBook purchases
  • Dedicated support agent

Sign In

Account Limit Reached!

Your account does not have any available slots remaining to add a new user.

You can:
• remove and existing user to free up a slot.
• upgrade your plan or contact us.

Remove User

You are about to remove the following users accounts:

THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE

Registration Complete!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Create an Account

Enter your email to create a free account with NG Science.

or

Activity Complete

Try again for a perfect score