Ecosystems are interconnected through various means, such as being part of larger or smaller ecosystems, geographical proximity, and animal migration. The document discusses different types of ecosystems, including the deciduous forest and the garbage dump, while encouraging readers to think about small ecosystems within larger ones. It emphasizes the importance of studying these connections and the effects of human activities on ecosystems.

1. Connections between Ecosystems

2. Review - What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem is a set of interactions among the living and non-living parts of an environment

3. Review – What living and non-living things do you see in this picture?

4. Brainstorm: How might one ecosystem might be connected to another?

5. Ecosystems can be connected by: Being a part of a larger or smaller ecosystem Being near another ecosystem Animals that move between ecosystems

6. Ecosystems Within Ecosystems Smaller ecosystems can be a part of a larger ecosystem Deciduous forest ecosystem

7. Ecosystems Within Ecosystems Smaller ecosystems can be a part of a larger ecosystem Deciduous forest ecosystem Maple forest ecosystem

8. Ecosystems Within Ecosystems Smaller ecosystems can be a part of a larger ecosystem Deciduous forest ecosystem Maple forest ecosystem Maple tree ecosystem

9. While you read p. 11 & 12, think about: What are some small ecosystems that you might find within a bigger ecosystem? What smaller ecosystems might you find in a desert biome ecosystem? Polar region ecosystem?

10. Recap on Biomes Coniferous Forest Desert Grassland Rain Forest Shrubland Deciduous Forest Tundra

18. Discussion: What are the advantages of studying small ecosystems? What are the disadvantages of studying small ecosystems?

19. Overlap of Ecosystems Ecosystems can be near another ecosystem Shore Intertidal Ocean

20. While you read p. 13, think about: What other ecosystems might overlap with each other?

21. Movement of Animals Some animals move between different ecosystems Salmon eggs are laid and hatched in rivers Adult salmon live in the open ocean hundreds of kilometers away and feed on shrimp and other small fish. Adult salmon swim back to where they were born to spawn.

22. While you read p.14, think about: What animals might be a part of more than one ecosystem?

23. Life in a Garbage Dump There are many living things in a garbage dump ecosystem While listening to the read-aloud, pay attention to the living and non-living things in the garbage dump and think about ways we can help to make the problem smaller.

24. Summary Ecosystems are not independent, they can be connected by: Being a part of a larger or smaller ecosystem Being near another ecosystem Animals that move between ecosystems We are connected to ecosystems