Food Chains
This term, our year 9 Scientists have been diving deep into the world of food chains and ecosystems. They have been exploring the concept of bioaccumulation and the impact of toxins in ecosystems.
To bring the concept of bioaccumulation to life, 9ab/Sc3 carried out an activity that modelled how toxins can accumulate in organisms at different levels of the food chain. Using ping pong balls to represent the toxin, the students modelled the movement of these harmful substances through the food chain.
The dance studio was transformed into a dynamic ecosystem, as each student was assigned a role within a food chain, embodying different organisms. Ping pong balls were scattered throughout the dance studio, symbolising a toxin introduced into the environment.
This hands-on demonstration vividly illustrated the concept of bioaccumulation. The students could see first-hand how toxins become more concentrated at each level within the food chain, posing significant risks to top predators and the overall health of the ecosystem. The activity also sparked meaningful discussions about real-world examples of bioaccumulation, such as the impact of pesticides on our crops.
Quiz:
- What is the producer in this food chain?
- What is the primary consumer in this food chain?
- What is the top consumer in this food chain?
Miss Forrest
Science Teacher
