Resource 2: Likely local ecosystems

Teacher resource for planning or adapting to use with pupils

Probable ecosystems you and your pupils might like to consider include the following:

  • life under a small rock or fallen tree trunk;
  • a nearby tree;
  • a hedge;
  • the classroom itself (corner, cupboard, etc.);
  • the local river, dam or lake;
  • a nearby forest;
  • a marsh or boggy area;
  • a dry barren hillside;
  • the household woodpile (watch out for snakes);
  • a clump of bushes;
  • a compost heap.

Record what pupils expect to find in their ecosystem in a table, example below:

Under a rock
SpeciesApproximate numberFeed onEaten byEggs or ?ActivityValue
Antswhole colonyant lionmany eggs and larvae and pupaedifferent workers soldiers queen 

nuisance

 

clear dead things

Scorpiononly one 

millipedes

crickets

beetles

 
baboonlive youngsting is poisonous

Write pupils’ suggestions lightly in pencil to be rubbed out when the answers are filled in. Below you will see some examples of different ecosystems that are likely to be found in Zambia.

Lakes and ponds e.g. Bangweulu, Mweru, Kariba

Flood plains e.g. Kafue Flats, Zambezi Region

Bush e.g. Mansa District, Chipata District, Mwinilunga District

Resource 1: Food chain

Resource 3: Keeping a praying mantis in the classroom