From the organisms to the environment

How do ecosystems capture the energy they need? Where do organisms find the building blocks of chemical compounds and how are these recycled? How is it possible that we drink the same water molecules as a dinosaur?

What is the effect of organisms on their environment? 

Through a journey that begins from the life of photosynthetic organisms up to the decomposers, students can discover the importance and the effect of individual organisms to their environment.

A series of experiments demonstrate how light is captivated and turned into chemical energy, how living organisms use that energy and how respiration is related to the greenhouse effect. Organic matter decomposers are observed using a microscope, and their importance is highlighted. The water cycle is demonstrated as well as the concentration of pollutants in water masses. Human activities are linked to their effects on the environment, pollutants are traced in water samples and one of the most important pollutants, plastic, is studied.

Topics Covered

1. Photosynthesis
2. Chlorophyl
3. Energy in food
4. Respiration
5. Soil composition
6. Ecosystems
7. Microorganisms
8. The water cycle
9. Water pollution
10. Polymers (*Lyceum)

Learning Objectives

1. Environmental sensibility and ecological thinking
2. Demonstration of complex concepts in a simple, interesting and fun way
3. Connection to everyday life
4. Experiential learning