The document discusses food chains and how energy passes from producers to consumers. It explains that plants get energy from photosynthesis, and are eaten by herbivores as primary consumers. Carnivores that eat herbivores are secondary consumers, and carnivores that eat other carnivores are tertiary consumers. Omnivores eat both plants and animals. Decomposers break down dead matter and release nutrients back into the food chain. The document provides examples of food chains and online resources for students to learn more.

1. Food ChainsBy Rachelle FabionarBrandman UniversityOctober 7, 2010

2. Did you know that every time you run or jump, your body is using energy? All living things get the energy they need to move and grow from the food they eat.

3. Do you know where that energy comes from? It starts with theSUN !!!!

4. Photosynthesis starts the chain of energy. A food chainshows how each living thing gets its food.

6. Plants are called producers because they are able to use light energy from the Sun to produce food (sugar) from carbon dioxide and water.

7. Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores(primary consumers).

8. Animals that eat other animals are called carnivores.carnivores that eat herbivores are called secondary consumerscarnivores that eat other carnivores are called tertiary consumers

9. Animals and people who eat BOTH animals and plants are called omnivores.

10. Then there are decomposers (bacteria and fungi) which feed on decaying matter. These decomposers speed up the decaying process that releases mineral salts back into the food chain for absorption by plants as nutrients.

11. The further along the food chain you go, the less food (and hence energy) remains available. Energy is passed from one link to another

12. Only a fraction of the energy passes on

13. Less and less energy passes upCan you make a food chain?Secondary ConsumerPrimary ConsumerTertiary ConsumerProducerDecomposer

14. Interactive websites where you can build your own food chain:http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/frogs/chain_reaction/play_chainreaction.cfmhttp://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/foodchain/foodchain.htm

15. 4th Grade Content Standards - Life Science 2. All organisms need energy and matter to live and grow. As a basis for understanding this concept: Students know plants are the primary source of matter and energy entering most food chains. Students know producers and consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers) are related in food chains and food webs and may compete with each other for resources in an ecosystem. Students know decomposers, including many fungi, insects, and microorganisms, recycle matter from dead plants and animals.