K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
In the Field – Biosphere 2

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept and purpose of Biosphere 2 as a closed ecological system.
  • Identify and describe the different biomes present in Biosphere 2.
  • Explain the significance of Biosphere 2's missions in studying human sustainability in closed environments.
  • Discuss the challenges and learnings from the Biosphere 2 missions in relation to Earth's ecological systems.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of Biosphere 2 as a closed ecological system. Discuss its purpose and significance in studying human sustainability in closed environments.

Go to the Lesson

Engage students with a brief discussion on Earth's unique biosphere and the idea of creating a second biosphere.

Direct Instruction

Explain the different biomes present in Biosphere 2, such as the rainforest, ocean, and desert, and their roles in the closed system.

Use the video 'The Earth's Biosphere' to illustrate the interconnectedness of Earth's spheres and how they sustain life.

Video thumbnail

Guided Exploration

Facilitate a discussion on the challenges and learnings from Biosphere 2 missions, focusing on the complexity and fragility of Earth's ecological systems.

Watch the video 'Earth's Four Spheres – Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere' to understand how these spheres interact in sustaining life.

Video thumbnail

Hands-On Activity

Conduct a hands-on activity where students create a mini ecosystem to observe processes such as evaporation and condensation, similar to those in Biosphere 2.

Independent Practice

Assign students to research and describe one of the biomes in Biosphere 2, focusing on its climate, vegetation, and organisms.

Check for Understanding

Use the assessment 'Earth’s Spheres' to evaluate students' understanding of the interconnectedness of Earth's systems.

Assessment thumbnail

Review and Reflection

Encourage students to reflect on the significance of Biosphere 2's missions and how they relate to the sustainability of Earth's systems.

Assessment and Extension

Conclude the lesson with a quiz to test comprehension of the topic.

Try the Quiz

For further exploration, students can engage in the 'Biome Research Project' to deepen their understanding of different ecological regions.

Assessment thumbnail

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