Complete introduction to ecosystems sequence of lessons for Unit 1, Section B of the AQA GCSE.
The lessons included are detailed below:
How Ecosystems Operate
Epping Forest Ecosystem UK
Changes Affecting Ecosystem Balance (Yellowstone)
Introducing Global Ecosystems
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
Perfect lesson resource for KS3 Biology! A fully differentiated and resourced lesson that assists students in learning about ecosystems. Students will describe what is meant by ecosystem, community, habitat, and environment. Students will also explain how different organisms co-exist within an ecosystem, and describe niches within an ecosystem.
The resource includes a detailed and engaging lesson PowerPoint with differentiated activities, worksheet and quizzes for students to complete. This resource is part of the Ecosystem processes topic and has been created for the delivery of the Activate KS3 Science course. Also great for GCSE Science.
17 slides in total for the lesson PPT
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the 2016 specification Unit 1B: In this lesson we look at how at example ecosystem in the UK. Epping Forest.
We start with a retrieval practice true or false task based around the content already learned in the rainforest section of the unit. We establish what is meant by the abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem and the students recreate a diagram in there books. After introducing Epping Forest the students complete a short multiple choice written exercise describing its location. We then look at the various flora and fauna in Epping Forest. Examples flash up on the board for a brief second and the students have to list as many as they can. Students then complete a task looking at the food web for Epping Forest and fill in the missing species. We then look at a hypothetical questions about removing a component (rabbits) from the food web. Students then complete a diagram that shows how the ecosystem is interdependent but also follows a seasonal cycle. We then consider the nutrient cycle and the students annotate the cycle to explain the characteristics of the cycle of the forest. We then have a retrieval task where students can pick some questions to answer based on the content of the lesson.
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
This lesson is part of Exploring Brazil, a Geography unit designed for students in KS2 (Y4-6), but can also be taught as a stand alone lesson.
The presentation introduces students to Brazil’s six main biomes including the tropical rainforest, caatinga (desert), Pantanal wetlands, cerrado (savannah) and Atlantic Forest. Students then read an information text to find out more.
In the activity, students write an information text about Brazil’s ecosystems. This can either be done as a short activity or as an extended write in Literacy. (N.B. The activity sheets need to be enlarged to A3 size to provide adequate space for writing.)
Short Activity:
Easier – Students match statements to each ecosystem and write them in each box.
Medium – Students add titles, then match statements to each ecosystem and write them in each box.
Harder – Students add titles and write their own sentences about each ecosystem in the box.
Extension – Students label the different ecosystems on the map, including drawings of animals found in each one.
Extended Writing Activity:
Easier – Students write an information text about Brazil’s ecosystems, including an introductory paragraph.
Harder – Students write an information text about Brazil’s ecosystems, including sub-headings and an introductory paragraph.
If you like this resource, we would appreciate a review! We will happily send you a free resource in return for a review or useful suggestions/feedback. Contact us at ed@teachitforward.co.uk.
KS3 new for the Activate resource ‘Ecology’ module.
Full double lesson ready to use straight ‘out of the box’
Includes bonus lesson on field investigations
Similar structure to my other power points following the input - activity - review phasing
Plenary sections for progress checking
Clear learning objectives and outcomes
Modern and engaging layout
Little adaptation needed
Covers an two hour lessons of content matched to the specification
41 ppt slides
Please give constructive feedback :D
For the new OCR A level biology specification
Includes the workbook I print for students, 28 pages with a few sheets of lined paper in the back for flexibility.
1. Biotic and abiotic factors
2. Biomass transfer through ecosystems
3. Nitrogen cycle
4. Carbon cycle
5. Primary succession
6. Recap sampling methods and start PAG
7. PAG - Sampling
8. Revision - grids, past paper Qs and glossary
Comprehensive ‘Energy and Ecosystems’ PowerPoint slides.
Download includes:
65-slide PowerPoint presentation covering all content for section 3.5.3 Energy and Ecosystems from the AQA specification — detailed, structured, and ready to use in lessons or for independent study.
Also includes a Key Term Worksheet to reinforce essential vocabulary and improve recall.
The main PowerPoint is divided into 3 lessons:
Lesson 1: Biomass, including dry mass & calorimetry.
Lesson 2: NPP = GPP -R, N = I -(F+R), percentage efficiency.
Lesson 3: Farming practices (includes 10 MCQ consolidation quiz at the end covering content from the whole topic).
The PowerPoint includes detailed slides covering all of the content, plus embedded consolidation/knowledge check/challenge tasks to test understanding.** Full answer slides are included** for any embedded tasks/questions.
A blank template ‘Lesson objectives’ slide is included at the end of the PowerPoint if you need to rearrange the slides to suit lesson timings at your school.
A blank template slide for you to add a homework task is also included at the end of the PowerPoint.
Available in both PowerPoint and PDF formats.
Please note: The text on the PowerPoint slides is not editable (to preserve layout and formatting), but you’re free to make changes by adding new slides or placing text boxes over existing content.
IGCSE Geography Changing Ecosystems – Complete 8 Lesson Bundle (Antarctica & Tropical Rainforests | New Syllabus 2027)
Full unit covered – 8 ready-to-teach lessons
Saves hours of planning time
Builds understanding, exam skills and real-world application
Bundle Overview
A comprehensive bundle of 8 fully resourced lessons covering the Changing Ecosystems topic for the Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460/0976) new syllabus (first exams 2027).
This bundle provides a complete teaching sequence, guiding students from understanding ecosystem location and structure, through to threats, impacts and sustainable management.
Students explore two contrasting ecosystems:
Antarctica (cold environment)
Tropical Rainforests (hot, biodiverse environment)
What This Bundle Helps Students Do
Students will:
Understand how different ecosystems function
Explain how climate influences ecosystems
Analyse threats and environmental impacts
Evaluate management and conservation strategies
Apply knowledge to exam-style questions
Lessons Included
Antarctic Ecosystem (4 Lessons)
Location & Climate of Antarctica
Understand the physical geography and extreme polar climate.
Features of the Antarctic Ecosystem
Explore food webs, adaptations and ecosystem structure.
Threats to the Antarctic Ecosystem
Analyse climate change, fishing, tourism and pollution.
Managing & Protecting Antarctica
Evaluate the Antarctic Treaty and global conservation strategies.
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem (4 Lessons)
Distribution & Equatorial Climate
Investigate global patterns and equatorial climate systems.
Structure, Soils & Adaptations
Explore layers, nutrient cycling and survival strategies.
Threats to Tropical Rainforests
Examine deforestation and environmental impacts.
Managing Tropical Rainforests
Evaluate conservation strategies such as ecotourism and sustainable forestry.
What’s Included
8 fully editable PowerPoint lessons
Clear, structured learning objectives
Engaging starter activities
Interactive and student-led tasks
Case study examples
Exam-style questions and practice
Strong focus on explanation (AO2) and evaluation (AO3)
Designed for active learning and critical thinking
Why This Bundle Works
Covers the entire Changing Ecosystems unit
Provides a clear, logical lesson sequence
Builds from knowledge → explanation → evaluation
Includes real-world examples and case studies
Saves significant planning time
Suitable for mixed-ability classrooms
Perfect For
Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460 / 0976)
New syllabus (first exams 2027)
GCSE Geography (higher ability)
KS4 Ecosystems / Rainforest / Polar topics
Ages 14–16
Standout Feature
This bundle provides a complete, ready-to-deliver unit, helping students understand how ecosystems function, why they are under threat, and how they can be managed sustainably — all in one package.
Teaching Time
8 lessons (approx. 60 minutes each)
Full unit of work for Biomes and Ecosystems. This unit of 16 lessons explores the general pattern and characteristics of biomes and ecosystems globally and then looks at tropical rainforests, polar regions and taiga’s in detail. All lesson are suitable for 50 minutes to 1 hour of teaching time. Includes supporting worksheets for lessons - no additional resources are required. Most suitable for KS3, and perfect for preparing pupils for the new 1-9 GCSE modules.
All lessons have a starter and lesson aim. All PowerPoints in the same signature style.
Lesson sequence:
1 - What is an ecosystem?
2 - How are global ecosystems distributed?
3 - What are tropical rainforests?
4 - Can we protect the rainforests?
5 - What is the human impact on tropical rainforests?
6 - Can we sustainably manage tropical rainforests?
7 - Where are the polar regions?
8 - What is Svalbard?
9 - Can Svalbard overcome its development challenges?
10 - What threats do cold environments face?
11 - How can cold environments be managed?
12 - What is a taiga like?
13 - What direct threats do taiga’s face?
14 - Why are taiga’s under pressure?
15 - How can we conserve the taiga wilderness?
16 - Can we balance the economy and environment in taiga’s?
Here are 10 lessons exploring ecosystems and the living world. The interactive and engaging PowerPoints are accompanied by a 35+ page workbook of matching resources. The lessons cover;
Introduction lesson
factors affecting climate
Biome distribution / mapping
Tropical rainforests - climate
TR - Structure
TR - Amazon case study
Hot deserts - distribution and climate
Hot deserts - animal and plant adaptations
Tundra - mapping, climate, animal adaptations
Comparing biomes - revision
I hope you enjoy :)
This booklet looks primarily at the rainforest and covers how plants adapt to their environments, food webs, the water cycle, how humans us the rainforest and how it can be sustainable. Tasks include wordsearchs, word fills, match ups, comprehension and writing a report
These x3 sided Science Worksheet focuses on Ecosystems, specifically the relationships between living things and The Food Chain. This resource is suitable for KS3 and GCSE students studying Combined Science or Biology.
**The worksheet is divided into five tasks:
Task 1: Name a minimum of two living organisms below
Task 2: a) Name a minimum of two non-living elements
Task 3: Cut out the x10 flashcards. Spend 5 to 10 minutes reading and revising them.
Task 4: Answer the questions below. (related to the topic)
Task 5: a) Sketch or print photographs showing two food chains. Use the boxes to the right.
b) Explain what might happen to the chain if changes occurred to the species ecosystem. e.g. natural changes/human changes
**
This worksheet is tried and tested and includes reliable subject knowledge. Students are engaged, with a happy cover/specialist teacher. Answers are included for the tasks, to enable self-marking. Students could complete these worksheets for homework.
**
Worksheet duration: 1 hour lesson **
You may also find these other Science resources useful:
Biology Worksheet BUNDLE
Combined Science Worksheet BUNDLE
B4 ‘Biodiversity and Ecosystems’ topic from the Fundamentals of Science (F180) unit in the new level 3 OCR AAQ in Applied Science course.
Includes
4.1.1 Distribution of organisms
4.2.1 Sampling techniques
4.2.2 Practical 2: Sampling
An engaging and detailed lesson presentation (48 slides) and associated game that goes through the topic of ecosystems, making sure that the numerous key words are recognised and understood and ensures that students know the difference between biotic and abiotic factors. A game of keyword bingo runs throughout the lesson to act as a motivation and to make sure that the students keep track of all of the important terminology. Time is taken after some of the important words to go into depth so that the Biology is fully understood. Students will learn the difference between biotic and abiotic factors and then will carry out a number of tasks to explain how the abiotic factors can affect the community. There are regular progress checks throughout the lesson so that students can assess their understanding.
This lesson was designed for GCSE students but can also be used with KS3 and also as a recap with A level students
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the new specification Unit 1B: In this lesson we examine the distribution of the global ecosystems or biomes.
The lesson has an ordnance survey map skills retrieval practice starter quiz. We then look at what a global ecosystem or biome is and what the general pattern of their distribution is. The students complete a cloze exercise and write a paragraph introducing the concept of global ecosystems. The students then complete a colouring by numbers worksheet to familiarise them with the distribution of the global ecosystems. They then complete a worksheet on where these ecosystems can be found, using atlases to give named examples of countries that feature those particular biomes. There is another extension to this where the students create a diagram to show the importance of latitude in the distribution of global ecosystems. We finish with a GCSE-style practice question with some sentence starters and a mark scheme provided for the students.
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
AQA GCSE Geography lesson for the 2016 specification Unit 1B: In this lesson we look at how at ecosystems can be altered by human and physical forces and how the loss or reintroduction of one species affects and ecosystem.
We start with a retrieval practice multiple choice task based around the content already learned in the rainforest section of the unit. the students then complete a cloze exercise introducing how ecosystems can be altered in the short-term and long-term. We then look at some examples of changes to ecosystems caused by either human or physical forces, the students have to categorise these examples. We then look at an example food web and pose the hypothetical question ‘what would happen if beetles were removed?’ the students highlight all species that would be affected and explain how. We then look at the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park. After a brief introduction where the students locate Yellowstone, we watch a video clip with questions on the topic. The students are then provided with a flow chart showing the short-term and longer-term impacts of the reintroduction. The students have a series of questions to answer using the chart. We then tackle a six mark question where there is a writing frame and some guidance on points to use in their answers,
Hope this saves you some valuable planning time.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/markthegeographer
Complete Scheme of Work for Edexcel Geography A ‘Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Management’ with Knowledge Recall Tests, Exam Practice and Full Work-Booklet.
Lessons are well planned, resourced and clear with video links and a variety of activities. Covering the topics of World Ecosystems, UK Ecosystems, Human Impacts on the Biosphere, Tropical Rainforest Features, Nutrient Cycle, Animal and Plant Adaptations, Deforestation, Case Study - Madagascar, UK Deciduous Woodland Characterisitics, Biodiversity, Threats and Management, Case Study - New Forest, UK.
This resource includes 51 power point slides for five lessons on ‘Biodiversity and ecosystem’ including the work sheets, activities, learning objectives, key terms and detailed content to be taught. The topics included are
The human population explosion
Land and water pollution
Air pollution
Deforestation and peat destruction
Global warming
This lesson is designed to last for 50-60 minutes and is resourced with videos, extension questioning, deep thinking and uses graphs/images to aid learning.
This lesson follows the Oxford KS3 curriculum and looks at keywords that will be used in the topic, food webs and chains through engaging activities. Students will explore what keywords mean through visual aids and explain the large impacts from seemingly small changes to a food web. After this lesson students should understand just how important yet fragile our ecosystems are.
This lesson includes a starter, lesson objective, plenary and various student led activities.
If you liked this resource please check out my other resources at https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SimpleGeography
Free - 73 Page of detailed notes to help students understand the concept and interactions of the ecosystem. Covering Abiotic and Biotic factors, Energy flow, Productivity, Biomes and Succession. In pdf and epub formats. Designed for ease of viewing on ereaders, tablets and smart phones.
Designed to support IB DP Environmental Systems, AP Environmental Science and A-level Environmental Studies and Management courses.
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