Natural sciences
Grade 8
Environment interactions
Module 34
The role of plants in an ecosystem
Activity:
To identify the role of plants
[lo 2.4]
- Complete the table by indicating either the description or the function. Complete the column to the right by pasting in some of the sketches (from the page with sketches) in the right place.
| FUNCTION | DESCRIPTION | SKETCH |
| Nutrition | ||
| Air filter | ||
| Birds build nests, insects lay eggs, predators and prey take cover here. | ||
| Camouflage | ||
| Soil erosion is prevented and humidity is retained. | ||
| Soil is enriched. |
- Write 270 words on the role of plants in ecosystems.
Assessment of ROLE IDENTIFICATION
Were you able to distinguish basic roles?
[LO 2.4]
Activity:
To discuss the role of animals in ecosystems
[lo 2.2; lo 2.4; lo 3.2]
- Complete the table by indicating either the description or the function. Complete the column to the right by either pasting in a picture or making a drawing in the right place.
| FUNCTION | DESCRIPTION | SKETCH |
| Nutrition | ||
| Pollination | ||
| Mammals, birds, mice and insects distribute seeds. | ||
| The soil is enriched. | ||
Assessment of CLASSIFICATION
Were you able to identify and classify basic ROLES? LO 2.2; LO 2.4
Advantages and Disadvantages of Animals
- Are all animals beneficial to the environment?
- Can animals be harmful to the environment?
- Write significant aspects that have been named by your classmates here:
Assessment of CLASS DISCUSSION
Were you able to list disadvantages? [ LO 3.2]
Assessment
LO 2: Constructing Science Knowledge:
The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.
This is evident when the learner:
- categorises information;
2.4 applies knowledge.
LO 3: Science, Society and the Environment
The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between science and technology, society and the environment.
This is evident when the learner:
3.2 understands sustainable use of the earth’s resources.
Memorandum
Activity: Identifying the role of plants
| FUNCTION | DESCRIPTION | SKETCH |
|
Baboon or maize plant | |
|
Leaf with arrows indicating direction | |
| Protection, Homes | Branches of trees | |
|
Moth against background of a tree trunk | |
| Anchoring, enriching the soil | Roots of plants | |
| Plant material returns to the earth | Leaves on the ground |
A paragraph dealing with the role of plants
- This should aim to provide practice in communicating through writing. The content of the previous table must be presented and expanded in a written paragraph.
Activity: Discussing the role that animals play in ecosystems
| FUNCTION | DESCRIPTION | SKETCH |
|
Lion with a zebra | |
|
Butterfly on a flower | |
| Dispersal of seed |
|
Mouse eating a fruit |
| Fertiliser |
|
Antelope, rock rabbit or rabbit droppings |
CLASS DISCUSSION
- Can animals harm the environment?
- Yes – overgrazing, in particular, leads to the eradication of plants and thereby to soil erosion. Exotic animals can be harmful because of the way in which their numbers could increase in the absence of their natural enemies. This would result in the displacement of indigenous animals and even cause the eradication of specific animal and plant species.
The food pyramid
- Green plants, herbivores, carnivores, carrion eaters.
- Incline: the steeper the incline, the smaller the amount of energy or biomass that is lost from one level to the next.
Food chains related to a text for reading
- E.g. twigs / organic material - ants - antlion - gecko - snake
- Grass - locust - gecko - snake
- Twigs / organic material - field mouse - snake