KS3 Biology - ecosystems: Rainforest
Take an exploratory journey through the magnificent 'rainforest' in Kew's iconic Palm House and discover how plants and animals in the rainforest ecosystem depend on each other.
Level
Duration
Allocated space
Overview
Take an exploratory journey through the magnificent ‘rainforest’ in Kew’s iconic Palm House and discover how plants and animals in the rainforest ecosystem depend on each other.
The rainforest is one of the most productive and complex ecosystems on earth. How do the living and non-living components of an ecosystem interact? Investigate the interdependent relationships between plants, animals and people in a rainforest and learn about the impacts humans have had on this precious ecosystem.
Please note, elements of this session will be delivered outside.
Learning outcomes
Pupils will be able to:
- Identify and measure abiotic factors of the rainforest ecosystem.
- Describe how plants are affected by and have adapted to these conditions.
- Understand key ecological relationships and food webs that exist within the rainforest.
- Recognise the impact and effects of human activity on the environment.
We will ensure learning outcomes focus on the year group taking part.
Keywords:
Ecosystem, biome, climate, habitat, environment, abiotic, biotic, adaptation, food web, human impact, deforestation
Curriculum links
Science – Biology
Interactions and interdependencies – Relationships in an ecosystem
- The interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollinated crops.
- How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials.
Genetics and evolution – Inheritance, chromosomes, DNA and genes
- Changes in the environment may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete successfully and reproduce, which in turn may lead to extinction.
Working scientifically
- Ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience.
- Make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.
- Make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations.
