Ecosystems STEM Challenge!

Hey Teacher Friends,

Right now I’m in the process of creating a series of STEM projects for students who are studying Earth Science.. The current unit I’m focusing on is all about ecosystems and food webs!
This project is SO much fun! A STEM group (4-5 students) must first decide on which type of ecosystem they are going to research for their challenge.

Before I begin the challenge with students, I make sure they know all about how energy travels up the web. A food web is a system of interlocking food chains within an ecosystem or community. Energy first comes from the sun. Plants use that energy from the sun and produce energy for primary consumers. The primary consumers provide energy for the secondary consumers and so forth. After students have basic knowledge of how food webs work, they are ready to choose an ecosystem and get to work!

STEM Activity: Food Web Marble Maze

 

Here’s the Challenge: 

The group must first choose a biome or type of ecosystem. (ex: Tundra, Grassland, Forest) Using a list of materials, students must create a marble run that features different levels of the food web. They must include a producer, a primary consumer, secondary consumer, and a tertiary consumer. There can be more than one of each type of consumer, but there must be at least one of every level. The marble maze must direct the ball going up the various interlocking paths along the food web. Animals and consumer types must be labeled in their design. Drawings, computer clipart, or figurines can be used. Students have three days to complete this project!

 

 

Would you like the printable guides and listed materials for these Ecosystems – Food Web Marble Maze STEM Challenges? Click here!  

                                                                                                                                                                                                            You may also enjoy… Earth Science Complete Curriculum