SHS2 Biology · Semester 2 Week 7: Ecology

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.2 - Describe how common tropical organisms are adapted to their habitats.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define adaptation and distinguish between structural, behavioural, and physiological adaptations with at least two examples of each.
Describe at least three specific adaptive features of organisms found in each of the following habitats: tropical rainforest, savannah, and aquatic habitats (lagoon, river, pond, lake).
Explain how a given adaptive feature helps a specific organism survive in its particular habitat, linking the feature to a function.
Observe organisms in their natural habitats, record their adaptive features, and present findings to the class.
Predict the likely adaptive features of an unfamiliar organism based on the habitat it occupies, using strategic reasoning.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Diversity of living things and their environment (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Ecology (3.2)
Content standard: 2.3.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major tropical ecological habitats and how living things are adapted to these habitats. 2.3.2.LO.1 Explain the features of various tropical habitats and how living organisms are adapted to these habitats.
Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.2 - Describe how common tropical organisms are adapted to their habitats.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 7 (Week 27 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 78

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-Based Learning: embark on an ecological trip to observe and identify specific organisms that occupy peculiar habitats: this offers learners to learn academic lessons from different cultures and environments, giving them rich socio-emotional lessons to accept learners from diverse cultural, social and emotional backgrounds.
Managing Talk-for-Learning Approach: write down your findings regarding the adaptive features which allow the organisms to survive successfully in their habitats and discuss these in class. Talking among peers in class enriches the learner's confidence and takes away any feel of inferiority arising from the learner's social, cultural and emotional background.
Teaching and Learning Materials:
- * Binoculars * Tape measure
- * Hand lens * Secchi disk
- * Clinometer * Sweep net
- Specimen bottles
Assessment (2.3.2.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.