Bringing the Stories Together

Part of the Ecology Disrupted Curriculum Collection.

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Biotic and Abiotic Factors teacher's guide

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TEACHER'S GUIDE

Convene a final discussion of theScience Bulletinsbringing the stories together through a discussion of how mundane or ordinary aspects of daily life can lead to environmental issues by disrupting ecological function (in this case abiotic factors)

Discussion

Key Idea: The daily lives of people add abiotic factors to ecosystems, which disrupt many species.

Question: After watching these Bulletins of the environmental issues that result after changing abiotic factors, give examples of how changing abiotic factors impact species in unforeseeable ways?
Answer: 

  • Adding salt kills freshwater ecosystems
  • Building concrete buildings absorbs heat and makes the environment hotter
  • Adding artificial light at night kills aquatic insects
  • Driving and using heating, air conditioning, electronics like cell phones and computers contribute to a rising carbon dioxide levels and temperature.
  • Water pollution disrupts large water ecosystems

Question: What are some possible ways to reduce changing abiotic ecosystem factors?
Answer: 

  • Using alternatives to salt like CMA
  • Constructing buildings with green roofs and planting more trees
  • Using non-polarized light, motion sensors, and full cut-off fixtures
  • Cleaning up polluted rivers

Note: For more detailed answers see the Answer Keys of the graphic organizers for theScience Bulletins.