When an herbivore eats a plant, the energy in the plant tissues is used by the herbivore. Every time energy is transferred from one organism to another, there is a loss of energy. This loss of energy can be shown in an energy pyramid. Learn more about the flow of energy in an ecosystem in this learning module produced by CK-12.

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Energy is the ability to do work. In organisms, this can be physical work, like walking or jumping, or it can be the work used to carry out the chemical processes in their cells. Every biochemical reaction that occurs in an organism's cells needs energy. All organisms need a constant supply of energy to stay alive. Learn more about producers in this learning module produced by CK-12.

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This article discuss basic ecological concepts such as food chains and webs within the context of the tundra.

Students gain an understanding of the parts of a plant, plant types and how they produce their own food from sunlight through photosynthesis. They also learn about transpiration, the process by which plants release moisture to the atmosphere. With this understanding, students test the effects of photosynthesis and transpiration by growing a plant from seed. They learn how plants play an important part in maintaining a balanced environment in which the living organisms of the Earth survive. This lesson is part of a series of six lessons in which students use their evolving understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.

This lesson will review the difference between producers and consumers, and show how both play important roles in a food web. It is 3 of 4 in the series titled "Producers and Consumers."

This lesson will review the difference between producers and consumers, and show how both play important roles in a food web. It is 4 of 4 in the series titled "Producers and Consumers."

Studying life on the seafloor beneath Antarctica's thick ice is a major challenge for ecologists. Learn about a new device that can reach those icy depths in this video segment adapted from WomenInAntarctica.com.

Student teams investigate the migration of small-particle plastic pollution by exposing invertebrates found in water samples from a local lake or river to fluorescent bead fragments in a controlled environment of their own designs. Students begin by reviewing the composition of food webs and considering the ethics of studies on live organisms. In their model microcosms, they set up a food web so as to trace the microbead migration from one invertebrate species to another. Students use blacklights and microscopes to observe and quantify their experimental results. They develop diagrams that explain their investigations—modeling the ecological impacts of microplastics.

This nonfiction article, written for students in grades 4-5, explores the relationships between various tundra species: marsh marigolds, bot flies, and caribou. Modified versions are available for students in younger grades.

In this video, students examine the role of vultures as scavengers, and explore the link between the vultures' niche and human health in India. [4:40]

Discover why the gray wolves were important to Yellowstone National Park before they become extinct in that area. Find out how gray wolves were reintroduced back into this area. [5:19]

Distance learning environmental education from a community non-profit, based on local, southeast Ohio ecosystems. Blog posts feature hands-on nature activities that can be done in any green space of any size. These STEM activities focus on observation skills, inquiry and exploration, and human's relationship with plants and animals. Topics include plants/wildlife, habitats, watersheds, survival skills, nature journaling and more.

Rural Action's naturalists are also available for video calls and correspondence with kids around science, inquiry, and nature.

Created in response to COVID-19 school closures.