Introduction to Ecosystems & Biomes Interactive Simulation | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Introduction to Ecosystems & Biomes.

Driving question: "How does changing the availability of abiotic resources (water and sunlight) affect plant germination, biomass growth, and population carrying capacity across simulated biome environments?" Objective: Students will model five terrestrial biome conditions by varying water volume and light exposure in rapid-cycling brassica or radish seed micro-habitats, collect quantitative data on germination percentage and seedling growth, and analyze how abiotic resource

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (5 clear plastic planting cups (250 mL)…; 500 g of dry, nutrient-standardized…; 100 fast-germinating radish or brassica…; Metric ruler (millimeters) and digital…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 930 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Life Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.