IE7.4
Analyze how ecosystems change in response to natural and human influences, and propose actions to reduce the impact of human behaviour on a specific ecosystem.

DM, CP

Indicators for this outcome
(a)

Identify evidence of ecological succession in ecosystems, using the concepts of pioneer species, climax community, primary succession, and secondary succession, and by identifying changes in plant and animal life in the ecosystem.

(b)

Propose ecological questions to investigate arising from practical problems and issues (e.g., "What is the impact of clearing land for farming?", "How could a community prolong the life of its landfill site?", "How could a community reduce the amount of garbage it produces?", "What is the impact of a sports field being constructed in a particular location?").

(c)

Predict what a specific ecosystem (e.g., clear-cut forest, abandoned sports field, abandoned farm yard, abandoned rail line, ditch, driveway, or sidewalk) will look like in the future (e.g., 5, 10, and 25 years) based on characteristics of the area and long-term changes observed in similar ecosystems.

(d)

Identify and refine questions and problems related to the effects of natural or human influences on a particular ecosystem.

(e)

Select and synthesize information from various sources to develop a response to specific questions related to natural or human influences on a particular ecosystem.

(f)

Propose a course of action or defend a given position on a local ecological issue or problem related to natural or human influences on a particular ecosystem, taking into account scientific, societal, technological, and environmental factors.

(g)

Be sensitive and responsible in maintaining a balance between human needs and a sustainable environment by considering both immediate and long-term effects of their course of action or stated position.

(h)

Provide specific examples to illustrate that scientific and technological activities related to ecosystems take place in a variety of individual or group settings, locally and globally, and by men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds (e.g., individual and community gardening, impact studies done by environmental engineers, and research done by teams of international scientists).

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R041220
Project WILD Activity Guide
The 2002 Project WILD Activity Guide features activities designed to develop awareness, knowledge, skills and the environment. Through many of the activities, students are engaged in informed decision making in which they consider the impact of their actions on the ecosystem. Each multigrade activity includes objectives, method, background information, materials and procedures, as well as extension and evaluation ideas. The activity guide contains seven sections: Awareness and Appreciation; Diversity of Wildlife Values; Ecological Principles, Management and Conservation; People, Culture and Wildlife; Trends, Issues, and Consequences; and Responsible Human Actions. Teachers are encouraged to select and adapt activities that align with curriculum outcomes and meet the needs of students.
Project WILD activity guides are free to teachers who attend a Project WILD workshop. These workshops provide an opportunity to experience the activities and to actively plan how to use them in the classroom. A modest registration fee will cover workshop materials and expenses.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Book
Price : Free to workshop participants
Record posted/updated: July 8, 2024
R052013
Below Zero
Below Zero is an instructional resource for educators teaching about natural resources within winter and frozen environments. Designed to complement the Project WILD Activity Guide, the activities in Below Zero promote awareness, knowledge, skills and responsible behaviour towards wildlife in winter environments. The activity guide contains four sections: Awareness and Appreciation, Habitat and Ecological Principles, Adaptation and Responsible Human Actions. Teachers are encouraged to select and adapt activities from this resource that align with curriculum outcomes and meet the needs of students.
Below Zero activity guides are free to teachers attending a Below Zero workshop, often offered in conjunction with Project WILD workshops. These workshops provide an opportunity to experience the activities and to plan how to use them in the classroom. A modest registration fee covers workshop materials and expenses.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Book
Price : Free to workshop participants
Record posted/updated: July 8, 2024
R052176
Fall Comes to Lac La Ronge
Fall Comes to Lac La Ronge is a 15 minute video produced by Randy Johns and Richard Frisky for KCDC. It details the cycle of the seasons as they slowly transform from the glory of summer to the splendour of fall. How various life forms prepare for fall is highlighted, including the migration patterns of pelicans and bald eagles. The film describes the beaver, how they use the trembling aspen trees in the region, as well as Grey Owl's conservation efforts to protect them. The film also features the track The Silent Scream by Ion.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R002341
Carbon Capture and Storage. Teacher Resource Grade 7
This resource provides lesson ideas on two main themes: First Nations perspectives on ecosystems and an introduction to carbon capture and storage technology.
Media and Formats : Document
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
Record posted/updated: April 26, 2019
R011314
Our Incredible World Series
This video series examines an urban wetland. Jesse and Seka pursue a science project on biodiversity. They decide to survey the life in a cattail marsh to build a case to preserve the wetland. Through each episode in the series, Jesse and Seka learn about the species in the wetland, how to take data to substantiate their claims, how to classify the various species, how the various species adapt to live in the wetland and present their findings to city councillors and the land owner.
•  Classification Practice and Learning About Microorganisms
•  Discovering the World of Biodiversity
•  Identification Practice and Understanding Classification Systems
•  Presentation of Findings: Understanding Human Impact
•  Sampling the Life Forms in an Urban Wetland
•  Understanding Adaptation to Specific Habitats
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $89.00 ea.
canadiancontent
Record posted/updated: July 2, 2020
R043353
Essential Atlas of Ecology
This ecological reference book offers informative text, photos, diagrams, illustrations and charts related to the Earth's environment and the interactions of animals and plants within the environment. The book begins with an overview of the basic physical features of an ecosystem including the biosphere; the atmosphere, soil and climate; the cycles of matter; and the ecological pyramid. The next section focuses on living beings in an ecosystem, particularly competition and predation, population changes and biodiversity. Section three outlines the range of biomes existing on our planet and the fourth section explores ecological-related issues around pollution, agriculture, transportation, technology and energy. The resource includes a table of contents and a subject index.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $12.99
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R071609
Ecology. Life at the Edge of the Sea
This video program documents life in ocean tide pools for organisms such as starfish, snails, sea cucumbers and rock octopus. Symbiotic relationships and the struggle for food in a hostile environment are major themes.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $49.95
Record posted/updated: July 1, 2020
R019211
Concentus Citizenship Education Resources. Grade 7: The Intentional & Explicit Teaching of Essential Citizenship Competencies
Students begin to investigate and understand the various types of power and governance within their own country at the local, regional, provincial, national and global levels. As the understanding of the levels of power that govern Canada develop, students compare and contrast those structures and processes with countries operating within Pacific Rim and circumpolar regions that do not operate as democracies.
Media and Formats : Document
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
Record posted/updated: January 21, 2019
R049936
Addicted to Plastic
This feature-length documentary is an investigation to find out what we really know about plastics and why there is so much plastic in our world. The video illustrates their toxic legacy and showcases the men and women dedicated to developing solutions to plastic pollution.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : Free
Record posted/updated: July 10, 2019
R052964
Belly Up: Salmon in Peril
This video examines the salmon industry. The Heiltsuk and Nuxalk First Nations communities consider themselves "The Salmon People." Salmon provides sustenance, income and ceremonial use. This way of life is threatened by salmon farming and logging practices. Large international corporations set up salmon farms without consulting the First Nations. Both the Heiltsuk and Nuxalk have protested salmon farming and the clear-cut logging practices taking place in ancestral territories.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : Free
Record posted/updated: July 10, 2019
R071670
The Bulrush Helps the Pond = Otawask wicihtaw tawanipeyanik
Written in Swampy Cree and English, this book provides students with an appreciation of the diversity and fragility of the prairie wetland ecosystem. Mr. Carriere describes the bulrushes through the seasons and how the various animals, insects and birds rely on the bulrushes and ponds for survival. The book demonstrates that traditional First Nations knowledge is parallel to Western science.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $9.99
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R047215
Ecology Series
The Ecology Series is a four-part video program that looks at ecology and ecosystems. Each program is 20 minutes in length and focuses on key concepts and terminology related to the topic. Topics include: The Biosphere, Ecosystem Dynamics, Natural Cycles and People and the Environment.
Each binder contains suggested teaching ideas, student activities and key terminology. Extra features of the DVD include indexes, labelled slides, glossary, animations, English subtitles and an iMovie project.
(More information)
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $399.00
Record posted/updated: July 8, 2024
R053168
Our Incredible World Series
Two budding scientists, Jasmine and Sam, investigate scientific cases. A make-shift lab is the starting point for their adventures in science.
•  Alien Invaders
•  Mission Possible
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $89.00 (1 DVD)
canadiancontent
Record posted/updated: August 29, 2019
R071711
Saskatchewan's Native Prairie: Taking Stock of a Vanishing Ecosystem and Dwindling Resource
This booklet presents information on Saskatchewan's native prairie. It briefly examines the impact of settlement on the region and the importance of the prairie landscape to culture and heritage. Maps, charts and graphs, focusing on the southern half of the province, illustrate prairie ecoregions, vegetation cover and soil capability. Threats to the prairie landscape are identified, as well as conservation initiatives. Numerous sources of additional information are provided.
Media and Formats : Document
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
Record posted/updated: July 31, 2019
R071571
From Pole to Pole
This video program examines the planet as a whole and the factors that shaped its history. Sun and fresh water govern the lives of all plants and animals on Earth and define their habitats. Seasons are created by the tilt of the Earth's orbit to the sun. A polar bear must prepare her cubs for the journey across the frozen sea. Habitats discussed in the program include the ocean, the desert and the Arctic.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $144.95 (complete Planet Earth series)
Record posted/updated: July 1, 2020
R050388
Pearson Saskatchewan Science 7. Student Text
Saskatchewan Science 7 is custom published for Saskatchewan and developed by a team of Saskatchewan teachers. Each unit starts with a list of Big Ideas that sets the focus for the unit. A Big Idea then provides the title for each section in the unit. Throughout the unit, opportunities are provided for students to work together, communicate ideas, perform experiments and carry out library and Internet research. Key vocabulary is bolded throughout the unit and an explanation of each term is provided. All key terms and explanations are also listed in a glossary at the back of the text. First Nations and Métis content, perspectives and ways of knowing are an integral part of the Saskatchewan science text. Highlights of the activities and achievements of Saskatchewan men and women are provided in the "Ask ..." feature. In each unit, the "Ask ..." feature provides access to the wisdom of a First Nations or Métis Elder or Traditional Knowledge Keeper, who shares an oral story related to the content of that unit.
(More information)
•  Pearson Saskatchewan Science 7. Student Edition E-Book CD
•  Pearson Saskatchewan Science 7. Teacher Resource
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $102.38
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R071659
Life Processes of Plants
This DVD touches on the classification of plants and on the role of plants as producers in an ecosystem. It examines plant cells in relation to animal cells and explains the process of photosynthesis. Sexual and asexual reproduction in plants are illustrated using diagrams, animations and photographs.
Teachers should select portions of the program that relate directly to specific learning outcomes.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $149.00
Record posted/updated: July 8, 2024
R038760
Native Plants, Water and Us!
This booklet offers general information on aquatic ecosystems, their functions and the important roles that native plants play within them. This resource focuses on aquatic ecosystems and the associated native vegetation in an agricultural context. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, lists of resources and Saskatchewan contacts.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : Contact the NPSS for a free copy
Record posted/updated: July 31, 2019
R043349
Grasslands
This video program explores the characteristics of a grassland biome. It illustrates the effect of climate on soil type, vegetation and wildlife. Abiotic and biotic factors are introduced and a straightforward demonstration clarifies their relationship. The program addresses agricultural practices that support or destroy grassland habitats. Plant adaptations and food chains are also discussed.
Teachers may wish to use other programs from the Biomes of the World in Action series. Program titles include Coniferous Forest, Deciduous Forests, Deserts, Freshwater Ecosystems, Marine Ecosystems, Rainforest Biomes and Tundra.
(More information)
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $119.99
Record posted/updated: July 8, 2024
R103288
Process of Science. Teacher's Kit
This Perimeter Institute kit uses student activities to highlight the creative, inquisitive, communicative and collaborative aspects of the scientific process. Perimeter Institute kits are available free of charge; this kit includes a teacher's guide, 8 photo cards, a DVD with short videos that support the activities and a CD-ROM with editable versions of the students worksheets found in the guide.
Media and Formats : Kit
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
Record posted/updated: November 25, 2018
R071696
Time Planet Earth: An Illustrated History
This resource covers many topics in the renewed science curriculum. Using the ancient Greek division of the world using spheres, the authors examine the atmosphere (air), pedosphere (land), biosphere (living), hydrosphere (water), cryosphere (frozen) and geosphere (subterranean). The animals, plants and landforms that exist within each sphere are described. Photographs illustrate to readers the diversity of life within the sphere. The book includes a table of contents and an index.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $32.95
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R071683
Natural Neighbours: Selected Mammals of Saskatchewan
Natural Neighbours: Selected Mammals of Saskatchewan focuses on various mammals found in Saskatchewan and describes their appearance, habits, food, habitat, survival strategies, ecological relationships, status and range. The mammals chosen for the book tend to be widely distributed in the province, are well-known by the public and are most likely to be seen. The book also promotes a better understanding of the human relationship with the environment.
The book was compiled by and co-published with Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $19.95
Record posted/updated: July 8, 2024
R071658
Interdependence
Scientists in various fields of life science explain the flow of energy through an ecosystem. They discuss biotic and abiotic factors, as well as the roles of producers and consumers. The DVD encourages viewers to consider the impact of humans on ecosystems and on biogeochemical cycles such as the carbon cycle, the nitrogen cycle, the phosphorous cycle and the hydrological cycle.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $149.00
Record posted/updated: July 31, 2019
R071572
Great Plains
This video examines the great plains on earth. The great plains cover more than one-quarter of the land on the planet and at the heart of the plains is grass. Grass feeds wildlife around the planet. Great plains described in this program include the African savanna, the Asian steppe, the Arctic tundra and the North American prairie.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $144.95 (complete Planet Earth series)
Record posted/updated: July 1, 2020
R055401
The Eco-Diary of Kiran Singer
Kiran explores the environmental problems threatening her local wetland. For her birthday, Kiran is given a diary by her grandma. She is invited by her grandma to help her and a conservation crew to restore a bog in Vancouver, BC. Using poetic form, Kiran expresses her thoughts about the bog and the various life species that live there. Through the text, students should be inspired to help protect wetlands in their local communities.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $18.95
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018