4.2 The role of plants in an ecosystem

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.

• 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.

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

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

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