Field Trip

This week, we went on a field trip to the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. The kids had a great time as they explored plate tectonics, natural resources, ecology, erosion and more. All the students rotated through 12 stations and took a 1.5 mile hike. See pictures from the trip below.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible!!

Ecology Part 2

This section of ecology focuses on the movement of energy through an ecosystem and the recycling of matter. In most cases, the energy for an ecosystem starts with the sun. Producers use this energy to make food using the process of photosynthesis. Consumers then eat producers, or other consumers, to get the energy they need. There are several types of consumers...herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, scavengers and decomposers. The decomposers break down waste and return nutrients to the soil.

Matter is recycled in an ecosystem. We will be learning about the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle and phosphorus cycle.

Use the visual flashcards below to help you study. You may also print a study guide, or click through some online flashcards, by using the "important links" to the right.

Ecology Part I

We are currently studying the first of 2 units on ecology. Our first unit focuses on biotic and abiotic factors, limiting factors, biomes and niches. Below are some vusual flashcards to help you study. Scroll over to stop the slide show and advance at your own speed. A study guide and online flashcards can be found under "Important links" to the right.

Oodles of Noodles

Teams worked together to create the tallest structure using 30 noodles and a supply of mini-marshmallows. See their creative work below.

Energy

We have been studying energy in Earth's atmosphere. Below are a few of the key terms that we have learned. Move your mouse over the bottom right corner of the slide to pause it.

You can also CLICK HERE to view some other online flashcards.

Landforms

We had some fun learning about landforms the last couple weeks.  See some creative presentations from the students below...

More Erosion Study Tools

I created the following visual flash cards to help you study. To stop on a word, move your mouse over the picture and click in the bottom right corner.  Also, after you have completed your study guide guide, you may click here to check your answers.