E.S.I.
(Ecosystem Suitability Investigation)
Much of the land we see around us has been drastically changed by human activity. Camp Kawartha is no exception. The camp is situated next to a rare ecosystem called an "alvar." Generations of logging, farming and cattle grazing have changed the environment dramatically. The students' goal is to find out if the alvar ecosystem found on our range area will support the reintroduction
of certain rare indigenous plants. In smaller groups, students are led through several stations that investigate the biotic and abiotic characteristics of this ecosystem. Analyzing the results of their field investigations, students recommend whether or not their native species would be a suitable candidate for an alvar ecosystem. The special nature of an alvar will be brought to light during our investigation and discussion.
| (This program can be modified to suit any grade) |
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Curriculum Links & Expectations:
Grade 7 : Science and Technology
| Life Systems - Interactions Within Ecosystems |
| 7s1 |
demonstrate an understanding of the interactions of plants, animals, fungi, and micro- organisms in an ecosystem; |
| 7s2 |
investigate the interactions in an ecosystem, and identify factors that affect the balance among the components of an ecosystem (e.g., forest fires, parasites); |
| 7s3 |
demonstrate an understanding of the effects of human activities and technological innovations, as well as the effects of changes that take place naturally, on the sustainability of ecosystems. |
