Green plants make their own food by a process called photosynthesis. They also use nutrients and water from the soil to grow. Primary consumers (insects, chipmunks, mice and deer) eat green plants.

Add acidity to a healthy lake and see what happens to the plants and animals in this interactive activity adapted from EcoKids.

Algae are a collection of a millions of photosynthetic protists. These algae are red because of a special pigment. They cement themselves onto rocks in moist areas.

Alligator weed is a non-native species of plant in the United States that can damage waterways by clogging them and reducing water flow. Also, it grows in a way that reduces light penetration into the water. Alligator weed is being reduced by a few different insects that were released as biological control agents, such as the alligator weed flea beetle.

In this interactive activity adapted from the University of Alberta, identify the living and nonliving things in an ecosystem. Then look further at the living things to identify the producers, the consumers, and examples of mimicry.

Oysters are important to the environment because they help filter out some of the toxins and trash in water. When something irritates the oyster's insides, it secretes a substance to coat the irritant. A pearl is then formed. Humans wear pearls as jewelry.

In contrast with its largely lifeless interior, the Antarctic coastal marine environment supports a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. Explore the region's living bounty in this interactive activity adapted from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

In this interactive activity from the American Museum of Natural History, play connect the dots and discover the connections between the people, animals, and plants in three habitats of the Dzanga-Sangha rain forest in the Central African Republic.

This video segment from Evolution: "Extinction!" shows the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.

Biology is a first-year Biology course. Students will be studying life and life systems with a close look at Ecology, Cellular Biology, Human Physiology, and Evolution. The use of media and technology will allow students to work individually and independently to understand lifeŐs processes, scientific inquiry, research methods, and scientific design and problem solving. For example, in the first unit of study, students will research a parcel of land that is for sale and be able to construct an Environmental Impact Statement after analyzing the affects of development on the ecosystem.

Biology is a first-year Biology course. Students will be studying life and life systems with a close look at Ecology, Cellular Biology, Human Physiology, and Evolution. The use of media and technology will allow students to work individually and independently to understand lifeŐs processes, scientific inquiry, research methods, and scientific design and problem solving. For example, in the first unit of study, students will research a parcel of land that is for sale and be able to construct an Environmental Impact Statement after analyzing the affects of development on the ecosystem.

In this Nature video, learn about the extraordinary impact that birds have on the agriculture of a small Indian community.

Deer are herbivores, meaning they graze on plants. Deer are consumed by coyotes, which use their keen eyesight and speed to attack the deer.

This activity is a field investigation where students gather data on physical changes of the ecosystem surrounding their school habitat.

In this interactive activity from Shedd Aquarium, build a fish and then release it into the reef to search for food and evade predators. Try different combinations and observe how each kind of fish has unique adaptations that help it survive in its habitat.

Fires release nutrients, reduce parasites, and open space for animals and smaller plants needing sunlight. Many pine trees need the intense heat from fires for seed release.

In this video segment from Outdoor Nevada, learn about burrowing owls, yearlong residents of open, dry grassland and desert habitats, and the only owls that nest underground and are active both day and night.

Butter is made from dairy products. It contains a lot of fat. Fat is an essential nutrient, but its consumption should be limited.

This brochure gives a brief description of the science research that is being done with data from the CERES instrument flying onboard NASA's Terra satellite. It also contains information about some of the data products and technical specifications.