Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: This website contains a black smokers WebQuest where students in groups investigate one aspect of the science of black smokers. The WebQuest provides a separate list of links for each research role, including geochemist, biologist, oceanographer, and geologist. Upon completing their specialist research, the students work in groups to get a better understanding of black smokers and the issues by presenting a position on whether to protect black smokers or continue research on the black smokers for possible benefits. The webpage is divided into the following sections: introduction, the task, the process and resources, conclusion, and hypertext dictionary. This site provides a wealth of information relevant to black smokers with current information, many images, videos, animations, and first hand accounts.
Abstract: This educational web site features life forms of deep sea hydrothermal systems. Hosted by the American Museum of Natural History, this site offers a brief introduction of the community and then focuses on Vestimentiferan tube worms, Vescomyid clams, and Bathymodiolid mussels. The site includes interactive games, teacher resources, a glossary, and more.
Abstract: Owls sit high in trees and use their head-turning ability to search for food such as snakes, spiders, and small rodents (skunks, mice, and chipmunks). They do not eat plants and are considered carnviores.
Abstract: Coyotes are top consumers in any food web, meaning they eat primary producers (plants) and consumers such as insects, spiders, toads, small mammals (chipmunks, skunks, and mice), and large mammals (deer). No animals eat coyotes, except maybe the occasional human.
Abstract: The emerald ash borer is an insect that was introduced to the United States on accident. The larvae of this insect feed on essential parts of the ash tree. This non-native species has killed several million trees already.
Abstract: Soil is an example of a non-living thing. Soil contains nutrients and living organisms, but the soil itself is not alive. Soil is important in plant growth because soil gives plants a place to anchor their roots and it also provides the plant with essential nutrients.
Abstract: FLOW is a comprehensive curriculum about the Great Lakes ecosystem with three core units: Food Web, Water and Fish. Geared toward upper elementary and middle school educators, standards-based lesson content features hands-on activities.
Abstract: Just as frogs eat insects, frogs provide food for those animals bigger than themselves in the food chain. Numbers of frogs can also plummet when frogs "migrate" across roads to seek ponds and rivers.
Abstract: Food webs are an interconnection of producers, consumers, and decomposers. It is important to understand that a change to any level of the food web directly and indirectly affects other organisms within the food web.
Abstract: The lowest level of a food web includes producers, which are plants that make their own energy from the sun. Animals that eat these producers are called primary consumers, and consumers that eat other consumers are called secondary consumers. Decomposers break down dead plants and animals to release nutrients into the soil.
Abstract: The garlic mustard plant was introduced as an herb to the United States. The problem with the plant is that it grows quickly, its seeds are viable for several years after production, and the insects and fungi that normally feed on the garlic mustard plant are not located in the U.S. Also, deer do not feed on these plants, so they tend to spread well in forested areas. Garlic mustard plants feed on fungi that are essential to the growth and life cycles of some trees.
Abstract: In the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly important for students to be aware of and understand basic biotechnological and microbiological concepts. As always, these scientific concepts are most effectively conveyed through hands-on laboratory experiences. However, laboratory exercises are challenging because of the potential risk of student exposure to harmful microbes and chemicals, challenges in maintaining sterility of cultures, cost of scientific materials, and length of time required for preparation and laboratory experiments. Because of the urgent need to improve and expand the biotechnology and microbiology component of curricula using novel, safe, and effective approaches, we have developed this web site. As the centerpiece of this project, we have utilized the halophilic microbe, Halobacterium species NRC-1, which has been extensively studied in our laboratory for the last 20 years, as an ideal teaching vehicle. Because of the nearly saturating concentration of salts in its growth medium, the medium represents a safer alternative for teaching.