Succession- the changes that occur over time in a given ecosystem

Primary Succession- type of succession that occurs in an area that previously did not support life

Secondary Succession- type of succession that occurs in communities that have been totally or partially destroyed or disturbed

Pioneer Species- the first species that appear in the early stages of succession

Biodiversity- the variety of organisms in number and type in a given community or ecosystem

Climax Community- the final stage of succession

The students will be able to…

1. Compare and contrast primary and secondary succession.

2. Create a comic strip that clearly demonstrates the stages of succession.

3. Observe, identify, and document stages of primary and secondary succession on the school campus.

4. Order succession stages and identify whether given scenarios deal with primary or secondary succession.

2- 85 minute class periods

Succession Power Point with photographs and notes

Succession Walk Handout (made for your individual school campus)

Card Stock

Scissors

Colored pencils or markers

Paper clips

Succession Cards- “Primary”, “Secondary”

Day #1

1. Written Bell Ringer- If the school district decided not to groom the soccer field any more how would it look 25, 50, and 100 years from now? (Individual) [5 min]

2. Define succession. Tell the students that there are 2 types of succession. Present the concept of Primary Succession (ex- new volcanic island, bare rock) and Secondary Succession (ex- abandoned field, an area after a natural disaster like a flood) on the IWB. Explain the differences and similarities in both. Also give examples of pioneer species (ex- moss and lichens) and climax communities (ex- hardwood forest). Also explain how succession occurs in bodies of water. Tell how humans can influence succession in many ways (ex- mowing grass, clear cutting a forest). Include as many real-life photographs as possible. (Whole Group) [30 min]

3. Take the students on a succession walk around the school campus. Have the students complete the “Succession Walk” worksheet as they explore. Since every school campus is different each teacher will need to create a “Succession Walk” worksheet based on locations on your school’s campus. (Whole Group, Individual) [40 min]

4. Give the students a number of different examples of primary and secondary succession. Have them work with a partner to determine whether each is primary or secondary. When the teacher gives the signal the students will hold up the correct “Primary” or “Secondary” card. (Pair Share) [5 min]

Day #2

1. Written Bell Ringer- List 3 differences and 3 similarities between primary and secondary succession then discuss these as a group. (Independent, Whole Group) [5 min]

2. Assign each student a different Primary or Secondary Succession Scenario (ex- area devastated by forest fire or flood, a new volcanic island, pond succession). Have each student create a comic strip with at least 5 blocks showing the advancements in the stages of succession over time. Students can describe what is happening at each stage but can’t write clues like first, next, or finally. Once the rough draft has been approved, the students can finish their final copy with colored pencils or markers on card stock. Upon completion, the students should cut out each block of the comic strip and paperclip it together. (Independent) [60 min]

3. Have each student pair up with another student, mix up their comic strips, exchange comic strips, place the comic strip blocks back into order, and correctly identify it as an example or primary or secondary succession. Once both students have peer edited each other’s work, they are to find a new partner. Repeat this process 4 or 5 times. (Independent, Peer Editing) [15 min]

4. End class by asking questions related to succession to CFU. (Which process takes longer? Which process ends in a hardwood forest? Which process has moss and lichens as pioneer species?) (Whole Groupchoral response) [5 min]

Succession Walk written observations

Succession Comic

Peer Editing

“Primary” verses “Secondary” card activity

http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/succession.htm

http://www.scienceclarified.com/Sp-Th/Succession.html