An ecosystem is a place where different types of living things depend on each other. Plants, animals, and microorganisms live side-by-side with nonliving things. Water, air, soil, sunlight, and temperature are some of the nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
Lentic Ecosystem- Lentic refers to standing or still fresh water
Lotic Ecosystem- Lotic refers to running water like that in brooks, streams, and rivers. Water is always flowing in one direction.
Example Ecosystems: Marsh, Woods and Streambed, cornfield
(Source of above information: Looking at Ecosystems (Hatch, Thomas. 2009)
0-4Have students sit. Go over the following terms: (Ecosystem, Living things in an ecosystem, non-living things, and examples of ecosystems)
4-8Discuss the terms lentic and lotic.
Lentic/Lotic- play like red light/green light- Students “flow” (walk) from one end of the gym to the other when teacher calls out “Lotic.” When the teacher calls out “Lentic” the students “stand” (Stop and freeze)
Half the gym is Lentic, half is lotic. Put students in groups of 4.
8-17
On the Lentic side, all groups create a balance show that includes four balances. Students must balance and stay still for 5-10 seconds in each balance. Students then try a different balance. Repeat until each student has done at least 4 balances, with group saying “Lentic” after each one. Discuss remembering that Lentic means standing water. After groups practice their show, each takes a turn showing the class.
17-30
On the Lotic side, student groups must create movements that flow in one direction across the gym while moving a scarf in each hand, then they stop and get into line waiting to go again. 4 students go at a time through the other students who form the banks of the creek as they stand in line waiting to go. As each group starts to walk and do flowing moves, the others waiting chant, Lotic, Lotic, Lotic and then stop chanting.
- Flow down the creek next to your group as you each practice flowing movements. Repeat this step 2 times.
- Work on a flowing movement with your group that is the same for all group members. Share this one the first time it is your group’s turn.
- Freestyle- The second time through your group makes up flowing movements as you go. Each member can make different flowing moves.