The theory of keystone species in an ecosystem was first established in 1969 by Robert T. Paine. Pupils open the final lesson in a five-part series with a game guessing which member of the alpine ecosystem they are based on clues. After everyone knows their identities, participants enjoy a game making a yarn web based on the food web. Finally, it adds a few complications, such as a border between countries and an invasive species.

Concepts

food webs, ecosystems, keystone species

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• All activities can be adapted to any ecosystem, so apply it to a local one

Classroom Considerations

• Prepare the "Who am I?" cards ahead of time as they require laminating and attaching yarn to each
• Assumes prior knowledge of a food web, specifically the alpine plants and animals in the lesson

Pros

• Utilizes cross-curricular connections to life science, social science, and economics
• Exciting and entertaining games enchant scholars

Cons

• Link to "Who am I?" cards does not work

Common Core

RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4