Food Webs

Kelly Ludwig                   Lincoln-Way High School
16621 Grants Trail             Route #30
Orland Park IL 60462           New Lenox IL 60451
(708) 429-1005                 (815) 485-7655

Objective:

     The main objective of this Mini-teach is to show students that a food web 
consists of many food chains put together.  Also, a food web shows the food 
relationship in a community.

Materials Needed:

      index cards                  markers/colored pencils
      tape                         chalkboard/large sheet of paper

Strategy:

1.  Obtain an index card from the teacher.  Write the name of one living thing 
    (plant or animal) on the card.  Draw a picture of the organism.
2.  The teacher will begin by sticking the "SUN" to the board.
3.  If you (the students) have something on your card that needs the sun 
    directly to grow, raise your hand then attach your card to the board.
4.  Draw the arrows in the proper places, following the energy flow.
5.  See if your organism will eat any of the new organisms just posted.  If it
    does, raise your hand.  Attach your card to the board.  Draw the arrows.
6.  Continue to see if your organism will eat any of the new organisms posted.
    If so, raise your hand and then attach your card to the board.  Draw the 
    arrows.
7.  Continue to add all the cards, if possible.  Try not to get caught without
    a place in the food web for your organism.

Performance Assessment:

     At the conclusion of the Mini-teach, students will be able to answer the 
following questions:

 1.  Where do all living things get energy from?
 2.  What is a producer?
 3.  What do the arrows mean?
 4.  What is a first order consumer?  Give an example of a first order consumer.
 5.  What is a second order consumer?  Give an example of a second order 
     consumer.
 6.  What is a top order consumer?  Give an example of a top order consumer.
 7.  If an organism does not get posted what will happen to it?
 9.  What is a food web?
10.  What does a food web tell us about life?

Conclusion:

     Students will understand what a community is and the food relationship  
that exists within.