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Ecosystems are comprised of everything that lives in a particular area. This could include plants, insects, small animals, larger animals, and even humans. Anything that lives and needs sustenance is part of an ecosystem; small plants create food by photosynthesis, and then insects and small animals feed on these small plants, creating energy for lives to carry on in the future. Larger animals, in turn, feed on plants and smaller animals, and then larger animals still feed on these smaller ones, continuing the cycle. Humans, at the top of the food chain, feed on all of the producers that fall under the human race contained in various trophic levels, powerfully taking in all the vital necessities one needs to live effectively.

We'll start this semester with this particular topic. The design project of this unit is going to be designing an ecosystem under a dome. What this means is to design an ecosystem that can be used for educational purposes - one that could be displayed in a museum, for example. If an extensive search of the Internet is undertaken, many examples of mini-ecosystems that come in kits so people of all ages can learn how all of the members of an ecosystem interact can be found. This is our design objective this term.

I will provide you with pictures and examples so you may all design your ecosystems effectively. Then we will present at the front of the room using the overhead camera, on which you can show your designs, as this room has a very good projection system. Eventually I would like to incorporate this with your own visual material, shown on the computer, as well as power point presentations that can help in explaining your designs and ideas. 

The first class will contain an explanation of the second semester and the new room which we will use. Many of you are probably already familiar with this room. All students have computers, there is a teacher monitor, and there is an overhead projection system. We will also do a writing activity where you tell me what you want to learn more regarding science in English. Let's have a great semester!