Essential Question: Who speaks for Nature?
Forest Ecosystem Field Study
Part 1; Ecosystems in Washington State
Purpose:
 I can explain that an ecosystem is an area
with populations of organisms, other living
(biotic) factors & non living (abiotic)
factors.
 I can also give local examples of
ecosystems and describe their boundaries
and contents.
Skyview’s Center is a small forest ecosystem. If you
look at the photo at the right you’ll also see that it
is an Island surrounded by a sea of housing where
forest used to be.
We are going to start our field study by getting some perspective on what an ecosystem is made of and also
some of the local ecosystems in Washington State.
Instructions: Please go to the Order in the Universe prezi and run it quickly to “Community”. We’ll start there.
1. Use the prezi to find out what living & non living factors make up an ecosystem & explain below.
2. Next, list 6 ecosystems you have either visited or lived in Washington State.
Data Table 1 - Ecosystems in Washington State
Ecosystem
Name
Briefly Describe this ecosystem
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
3. Continue to World Biomes. Tell which biome(s) we are in according to this map.
Let us be good stewards of the Earth we inherited. All of us have to share the Earth's fragile ecosystems and
precious resources, and each of us has a role to play in preserving them. If we are to go on living together on this
earth, we must all be responsible for it. Kofi Annan
Student Review: 1-Below Standard, 2-Approaching Standard, 3-Standard, 4-Above Standard
Use the scale to evaluate completeness & correctness of the job. Put score, Initial & date in boxes.
Score
Initial/Date
Part 2 – Identifying Abiotic and Biotic Factors in the Environmental Center
Purpose: I can Identify key abiotic (non living) factors that influence living (biotic) organisms in the Center
Abiotic Factors: Abiotic factors are non living factors that influence the biotic (living) factors in the
environment. Here are some examples of abiotic factors…. there are many more
A few Abiotic Factors… there are many more!
temperature (heat, cold)
soil type (litter, topsoil, B, C )
wind (exposed, sheltered etc)
water (drought, flooding etc)
sunlight (direct, shade, none)
nutrients
space (crowding, open etc)
fire
cloud cover
altitude
humidity
Procedure: Each team will have two stations to visit. At each station the students will determine 3 abiotic
factors and the observable physical evidence that these affect the biotic (living) organisms in that part of the
Center’s ecosystem.
Go to you first station, be quiet, don’t talk for a bit, and concentrate. Look around for evidence of abiotic affects in
this area. What you see, hear and feel are important. After a couple minutes decide what you think are the most
important, or key abiotic factors you observe or infer at this station. Then enter and justify your ideas.
Station _________ – Key Abiotic Factors at this station (Use additional paper if necessary)
Abiotic Factor
Observable Physical Evidence - Use evidence to justify why you chose this factor
Station _________ – Key Abiotic Factors at this station (Use additional paper if necessary)
Abiotic Factor
Observable Physical Evidence - Use evidence to justify why you chose this factor
Part 3 – What are the layers that make up a forest?
Background: Forests are made of different components, or parts, that work together to keep the forest
healthy and provide diverse habitats for many living organisms.
Instructions. A. Research the layers of the forest and take good notes.
B. Next go out to the Center and draw and complete a detailed figure of the scene in the space below. Be as
detailed as possible. Show and neatly label all the living and non living things around you.
Part 4: Organisms of the Environmental Center.
Instructions:
 Draw, Identify and tell about two plants and or animals in Skyview’s Environmental Center.
Common Name:
Scientific Name
Niche:
Draw Plant
or Animal
close up
here
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Niche:
Draw Plant
or Animal
close up
here
Important Fact or Use 1:
Important Fact or Use 1:
Important Fact or Use 2:
Important Fact or Use 2:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use this format. Be sure to ink and color in your
finished product below.
Draw and label a close up of at least two plant leaves, or the animal you are highlighting
Name: Tell both the common & scientific name for the organism
Niche: Tell the niche of the organism
Data: Describe at least two important facts, especially human uses, including native American
uses, about the organisms
Part 5 – Design/draw and test the success of a trap for small Forest organisms.
Instructions:
1. Your job is to design, draw & label a trap for small forest organisms with the following materials.
 Wood square
 20ml Alcohol
 Dowel rods
 Small shovel
 Paper cup
2. Now your team will find a place
to assemble the trap in the Center
where you will catch the most
organisms.
Tell 3 factors that lead you to
choose this site.
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
3. Report Out.
Next you will return the next day to the site and bring all items back, sort the samples, and report your
success below