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​(Investigating Local Eco…).
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​(Investigating Niche Par…).
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​(Investigating Populatio…).
4. Investigating Primary and Secondary Succession
   Students study the stages of succession in ecosystems undergoing primary and secondary ecological changes​(Investigating Primary a…).
5. Measuring Abiotic Factors in an Aquatic Ecosystem
   Students measure key abiotic factors in an aquatic ecosystem and explore their influence on species distribution​(Measuring Abiotic Facto…).
6. Modeling Predator-Prey Relationships
   Students use data to model predator-prey interactions and explore the impact on population dynamics​(Modeling Predator-Prey …).
7. Estimating Population Abundance Using Quadrat Sampling
   Students apply quadrat sampling techniques to estimate population size, density, and distribution of non-mobile organisms​(Estimating Population A…).
8. Exploring Biogeochemical Cycles Using System Diagrams
   Students create system diagrams to analyze nutrient flows in the carbon and nitrogen cycles, investigating human impacts​(Exploring Biogeochemica…).
9. Investigating Carrying Capacity Using Simulation
   Students use simulations to understand how carrying capacity limits population growth and affects ecosystem stability​(Investigating Carrying …).
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​(Investigating Energy Fl…).