Ecology · SHS3 Biology

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.3.2.LI.2 - Explain the interdependency of Living things and its importance to life.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define the major types of ecological associations (symbiosis, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, saprophytism, epiphytism) and give at least one example of each.
Distinguish between the different types of biological associations using clear criteria such as benefit, harm, and physical dependence.
Explain the ecological importance of each type of association in maintaining a stable ecosystem.
Identify real examples of biological associations in their own community and classify them correctly.
Discuss how human activities can disrupt or support healthy ecological associations in Ghanaian ecosystems.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Diversity of Living Things and Their Environment (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Ecology (3.2)
Content standard: 3.3.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interaction between the living and non-living components of the environment to ensure the sustenance of life. 3.3.2.LO.1 Explain the interdependencies of living things and their environment and indicate the ecological importance of each. 3.3.2.LO.2 Accurately collect and analyse data, draw valid conclusions and inferences to address problems in the environment.
Indicator: 3.3.2.LI.2 - Explain the interdependency of Living things and its importance to life.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 2 (Week 22 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. 107

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Task-Based Learning: in gender-responsive, mixed-ability and differential task-based groups, find out and document the various types of ecological/biological associations (e.g., symbiosis, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism, saprophytism, epiphytism) in the community with an emphasis on the ecological importance of such associations.
Talk for Learning: discuss the importance of these interdependencies and interactions among living things and distinguish between the various types of ecological associations.
Teaching and Learning Materials:
- * Simulations and photos of different habitats of living organisms * Specimens of organisms specific to each habitat studied (e.g., mangroves in estuaries and lagoons, ghost crabs on sandy beaches) and how they interact. * Root nodules of legumes * epiphytes, commensals
- * Symbionts * Saprophytes
- Simulations and video clips on
- biological associations.
Assessment (3.3.2.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.