Value of the Activity Set for an IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Classroom
This activity set offers students engaging, hands-on opportunities to explore key ecological concepts such as population dynamics, energy flow, succession, and ecosystem interactions. By applying scientific methods and modeling real-world ecosystems, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. These activities foster an understanding of the complexities of ecosystems and human impacts on the environment.

List of Activities with Summation:

1. Investigating Local Ecosystems
   Students assess the distribution of species in a local ecosystem, analyzing abiotic and biotic factors that influence populations.
2. Investigating Niche Parameters of a Named Species
   Students explore the ecological niche of a species, identifying its role within its ecosystem and interactions with biotic and abiotic factors​.
3. Investigating Population Dynamics Using Mark-Recapture Method
   Students estimate population size of mobile organisms using the mark-recapture method and analyze factors affecting accuracy.
4. Investigating Primary and Secondary Succession
   Students study the stages of succession in ecosystems undergoing primary and secondary ecological changes.
5. Measuring Abiotic Factors in an Aquatic Ecosystem
   Students measure key abiotic factors in an aquatic ecosystem and explore their influence on species distribution.
6. Modeling Predator-Prey Relationships
   Students use data to model predator-prey interactions and explore the impact on population dynamics​.
7. Estimating Population Abundance Using Quadrat Sampling
   Students apply quadrat sampling techniques to estimate population size, density, and distribution of non-mobile organisms​.
8. Exploring Biogeochemical Cycles Using System Diagrams
   Students create system diagrams to analyze nutrient flows in the carbon and nitrogen cycles, investigating human impacts.
9. Investigating Carrying Capacity Using Simulation
   Students use simulations to understand how carrying capacity limits population growth and affects ecosystem stability.
10. Investigating Energy Flow Using Food Webs
    Students create and analyze food webs to explore energy flow through trophic levels and assess the impact of human activity​.