What is an ecosystem? What is an Ecosystem? An ecosystem includes all of the living things (plants, animals and organisms) in a given area, interacting with each other, and also with their non-living environments (weather, earth, sun, soil, climate, atmosphere). Ecosystems are the foundations of the Biosphere and they determine the health of the entire earth system. In an ecosystem, each organism has its own niche or role to play. Consider a small puddle at the back of your home. This very complex, wonderful interaction of living things and their environment, has been the foundations of energy flow and recycle of carbon and nitrogen. Anytime a ‘stranger’ (living thing(s) or external factor such as rise in temperature) is introduced to an ecosystem, it can be disastrous to that ecosystem. Usually, biotic members of an ecosystem, together with their abiotic factors depend on each other.
Editing Checklist for Self- and Peer Editing To view our printable materials, you must download the latest version of the free Adobe Acrobat software. Download now Our lesson plans are written and reviewed by educators using current research and the best instructional practices and are aligned to state and national standards. Choose from hundreds of topics and strategies. More ReadWriteThink has a variety of resources for out-of-school use. More Home › Classroom Resources › Printouts Printout Before you begin, be sure to model and discuss each step of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing), preferably using a whole-class story or class newsletter article. When they are ready for the editing stage of the writing process, students should edit their writing and then meet with a partner to engage in peer editing. This tool serves multiple purposes, including: The self-edit step The peer-edit step
Creative Kids Awards Show us your Creative & Artistic Talent! What is this? In 2014, we are launching our maiden Creative Competition, The Creative Kids Awards, which will see children and young people all over the world compete for a top prize that will be set by your favorite online learning portal, eSchoolToday.com In these competitions, children will have the opportunity to explore their artistic talents in relation to knowledge acquired in various topics of interest from our learning resources. Who can take part? All young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years from all parts of the world. How much will this cost? This competition is absolutely FREE to enter. What is the benefit of taking part in this competition? It is simply fun! What format will the artworks take? Poster and artworks can either be digital or hand created. How many can one person enter? Each person will have only one attempt, but can enter in all the categories that will be set. How do we determine who wins? Thank you.
Mocomi.com - Where kids can learn, discover, explore, play and more! Threats to Ecosystems Anything that attempts to alter the balance of the ecosystem potentially threatens the health and existence of that ecosystem. Some of these threats are not overly worrying as they may be naturally resolved provided the natural conditions are restored. Other factors can destroy ecosystems and render all or some of its life forms extinct. Here are a few: Habitat Destruction Economic activities such as logging, mining, farming and construction often involve clearing out places with natural vegetative cover. Pollution Water, land and air pollution all together play a crucial role in the health of ecosystems. Eutrophication This is the enrichment of water bodies with plant biomass as a result of continuous inflow of nutrients particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Invasive species Any foreign specie (biological) that finds its way into an ecosystem, either by natural or human introduction can have an effect on the ecosystem. Overharvesting UV Radiation
Educational Games and Resources | Fuel the Brain Open Source Ecology Better Lesson India just banned all forms of disposable plastic in its capital | The Independent India’s capital city Delhi has introduced a ban on disposable plastic. Cutlery, bags, cups and other forms of single-use plastic were prohibited by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). There is particular concern in the country about the amount of plastic waste it produces. The ban affects the whole National Capital Territory (NCT) area of Delhi. It was introduced after complaints about the illegal mass burning of plastic and other waste at three local rubbish dumps, which has been blamed for causing air pollution. The Tribunal said in a statement: “Each of these sites is a depiction of the mess that can be created for environment and health of people of Delhi. “We direct that use of disposable plastic is prohibited in entire NCT of Delhi. “The Delhi government shall take steps for storage and use of plastic materials.” The ban came into force at the start of this month. India elephants with knitted jumpers Reuse content
Reference Tools for Kids: Research utility for children Quotations for Kids Our editors have carefully selected quotations for children. You may either read random quotes or you can search for a quote on a specific topic, from a famous person or literary source. You can also browse sources here. In our database of over 12,000 quotes for kids your are sure to find what your are looking for. History History for kids. Kids' Acronym Finder Search through our dictionary of thousands of acronyms, initialism and acronyms: You may either search for the full form of an acronym or search for an acronym by key words. Proverbs for Kids Every language is a storehouse of fascinating proverbs that say a lot about the ways of life in the briefest possible manner.
Gund Institute for Ecological Economics Marsh Professor Lecture: Amy Dickman, Warriors, Witchcraft & Women: Carnivore Ecology and Conservation in Tanzania’s Ruaha Landscape Wednesday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in Memorial Lounge, Waterman Building UVM is hosting Amy Dickman, Kaplan Senior Research Fellow in Felid Conservation at Pembroke College, University of Oxford. She will give a free, public lecture on “Warriors, Witchcraft & Women: Carnivore Ecology and Conservation in Tanzania’s Ruaha Landscape,” Wednesday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in Memorial Lounge, Waterman Building. Dickman, a UVM James Marsh Professor-at-Large, has more than 15 years experience working on large carnivores in Africa, specializing in big cats and human-carnivore conflict mitigation. Dickman and her Tanzanian team are researching the ecology of these vital populations and working to reduce the pressing threat of human-carnivore conflict in this critical area. A reception will immediately follow the lecture in Waterman Manor. Information: (802) 656-3186.
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