6th Grade Science Guide

6.4: Ecosystems 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 5

STANDARD 6.4.2

6.4.2 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems . Emphasize consistent interactions in different environments, such as competition, predation, and mutualism. MS-LS2-2

CONCEPTS

SKILLS

● Interactions among organisms across ecosystems

● Construct explanation ● Predict patterns

LEARNING PROGRESSIONS

● Organisms occupy niches, or physical space where they live and how they use that space. ● When niches overlap, there are 3 main types of relationships that can occur: symbiotic, mutualistic, and parasitic. ● The patterns in these types of relationships is predictable VOCABULARY ● Predator ● Prey

● Commensalism ● Parasitism ● Symbiotic ● Niche

● Competition ● Mutualisms

POSSIBLE PHENOMENA

● The Lynx and Hare population, which is a predator/prey relationship occurs in predictable cycles. ● Killer whales and the East African lion have a similar role in two very different ecosystems. ● The June Sucker is native to Utah Lake. Over the last few decades, Carp have been introduced to the lake and the June Sucker population has decreased.

END OF UNIT COMPETENCY WITH LANGUAGE SUPPORTS

● I can describe different types of relationships in an ecosystem. ○ Language Supports:

■ Nouns (compete, beneft, expense, host, harm, interactions, survival) ■ Connectors to show relationships (therefore, as a result of)

DIFFERENTIATION IN ACTION

Skill Building

Use the Predator Prey Cycles Close Reading Plan to teach about predator/prey relationships.