Grade 7 Life Science ยท NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4

Unit 4: Ecosystem Dynamics, Trophic Cascades & Carrying Capacity

A comprehensive unit exploring food web stability, the 10% ecological energy rule, keystone predator dynamics, and aquatic eutrophication.

10-Day Instructional Sequence & WIDA Language Milestones
Days 1โ€“2 ๐Ÿฆ… Trophic Energy Pyramids

Caloric dissipation, primary producers, and mathematical proportion frames.

Days 3โ€“4 ๐Ÿบ Yellowstone Wolf Trophic Cascade

Complex cause-and-effect writing linking apex predators to river bank erosion.

Days 5โ€“6 ๐ŸŒŠ Eutrophication & Dead Zones

Decomposer respiration, hypoxia, and multi-step biochemical process mapping.

Days 7โ€“8 โš–๏ธ Invasive Species Carrying Capacity

Graphing exponential vs. logistical population curves with relational connectors.

Days 9โ€“10 ๐Ÿ† Unit 4 WIDA 4.5 Performance Assessment

Ecological conservation policy proposal written in Level 4.5+ academic register.