AICE The Test

Chapter 3 Interactions in Marine Ecosystems (90 min Lessons)

As educators, one of the most rewarding experiences is bringing the wonders of the natural world into the classroom.

The concept of symbiosis offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate relationships that exist between distinct species. Symbiosis encompasses various types of interactions, including parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism, each defined by the varying degrees of benefit or harm experienced by the organisms involved. By teaching students about these relationships, we can help them understand the complexity and interconnectedness of life in the oceans.

This blog will provide you with insightful explanations and engaging activities to effectively teach your students about symbiosis and its different forms. Let’s explore these remarkable biological interactions and inspire a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life!

This unit covers the following topics

  • 3.1 Interactions
  • 3.2 Feeding relationships
  • 3.3 Nutrient cycles

Resources

Timeframe

  • 4 weeks
  • 9 days/class periods – 90 minutes each

Daily Agenda

Here’s an insight into my daily routine, outlining both my current practices and planned strategies. This encompasses the content I deliver, the methods I employ to reinforce concepts, the array of activities I incorporate, including simulations and laboratory work, and my approach to student assessment.

While this routine isn’t without its imperfections, it has proven effective for my students, as evidenced by my average pass rate of 90%.

Feel free to use this as a foundation, adapting it to align with your preferences and, crucially, incorporating valuable feedback from your students.

The goal is to maintain an atmosphere of engagement and enthusiasm, keeping students intrigued by the subject matter and get them to pass the AICE Exam.

Note: All pacing suggestions are estimates. Adjust the time to accommodate for specific student needs and interests.

Curriculum Pacing Guide

1 Day = 90 minutes class.

Day 1 Lesson

  • 3.1 Interactions
  • 3.2 Feeding relationships

Objectives

  • describe the meaning of parasitism, commensalism and mutualism, and understand that they are all examples of symbiotic relationships
  • explain the following terms in relation to feeding relationships: consumer (including primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary), producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, predator, prey, food chain, food web, trophic level
  • represent and interpret food chains and food webs

Instructional Materials

Day 2 Lesson

  • 3.2 Feeding relationships

Objectives

  • define productivity
  • describe photosynthesis, chemosynthesis and cellular respiration

Instructional Materials

Day 3 Lesson

  • 3.2 Feeding relationships

Objectives

  • describe how energy is transferred through the food chain
  • calculate and explain the energy losses along food chains

Instructional Materials

Day 4 Lesson

  • 3.2 Feeding relationships

Objectives

  • draw, describe and interpret pyramids of energy, numbers and biomass, including those that incorporate parasites and periods of plankton/algal bloom

Instructional Materials

Day 5 Lesson

  • 3.3 Nutrient cycles

Objectives

  • state the chemical elements that make up carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
  • describe the biological role of essential elements

Instructional Materials

Day 6 Lesson

  • 3.3 Nutrient cycles

Objectives

  • explain the processes by which the reservoir of dissolved nutrients is replenished and removed
  • describe the carbon cycle

Instructional Materials

Day 7 Lesson

  • Review

Objectives

  • Review topics/ objectives covered

Instructional Materials

Day 8 Lesson

  • Review

Objectives

  • Review topics/ objectives covered

Instructional Materials

Day 9 Lesson

  • Chapter 3 Test

Objectives

  • Assess student’s mastery

Instructional Materials

Exposing students to proper blend of lecture, practice activities and questions is of paramount importance for their success on the Cambridge exam.

I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! Are there any topics you’d like to learn more about or see discussed here? I’d love to hear your suggestions. Please let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates!

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