Module 1 introduces students to the study of ecology in an urban setting, to think about the components of the urban ecosystem and how urban systems continually change. Cities are complex systems that can be healthy or unhealthy. This module helps students start to think about the factors they can observe in order to determine the status of their city.
The fieldwork opportunities in this module are used to set the stage for designing research to be implemented in the remaining modules. To connect to geography, students can use their map reading and making skills to communicate specific features of their field sites.
Module Resources
-
Lesson 1: Cities as Systems
-
Lesson 2: Ecosystem Structure
- Lesson Plan - M1_L2
- PowerPoint - Ecosystem Structure
- Student Handout - M1_L2
- Circle Graphic
- Reading - What is an Ecosystem?
-
Lesson 3: Ecosystems and Change
- Lesson Plan - M1_L3
- PowerPoint - Seasons Snapshots
- Aerial Photos - M1_L3
- Student Handout - M1_L3
- Reading - What is Urban Ecology?
-
Lesson 4: The Place of Cities in Ecosystems
-
Lesson 5: Why and How Do I Conduct a Study Site Evaluation?
-
Lesson 7: Organisms and Microhabitats
- Lesson Plan - M1_L7
- PowerPoint - What Do We Think of Our Cities?
- Lab Instructions - M1_L7
- Student Handout - M1_L7
- Example - Class Data Sheets
- Sample Answers - Analysis Questions
-
Lesson 8: City Living and the Environment
-
Lesson 9: Action in Urban Ecology