Energy Flow in Ecosystems (Part 2)

What You'll Learn

All living things share basic characteristics: they grow, reproduce, respond to their environment, and need energy to survive. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, while animals must eat other organisms.

Key Words

prey
ecosystem

Materials Needed

tape
small pots
cotton balls
zip-lock bags
labels
seeds

Safety First

Keep small objects away from young children.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.
Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read about Light Optics and write down three key facts.

Step 2 — Do

Design a controlled experiment: grow plants under different light conditions (full sun, partial shade, no light). Water equally and measure growth daily for one week.

Step 3 — Observe

Compare the before and after states.

Step 4 — Record

Write your conclusion: did the results match your hypothesis? What would you change next time?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is camouflage?