Contextualization:

An ecosystem is a complex network of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) that depend on each other and their non-living environment (such as water, sunlight, soil, and air) to survive. Every organism within an ecosystem has a specific role or niche, and these roles are interconnected, forming a delicate balance. This balance is what maintains the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.

Ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as a forest. They can be found in every corner of the Earth, from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains. Each ecosystem is unique, with its own set of organisms and environmental conditions.

The study of ecosystems, called ecology, is a fundamental branch of biology. It helps us understand how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. It also provides insights into the effects of human activities and environmental changes on ecosystems, which is why this knowledge is so important for us and for the future of our planet.

Importance:

Understanding ecosystems is not only vital for scientists but also for the general public. Ecosystems provide us with many essential services, including clean air and water, fertile soil for agriculture, climate regulation, and even recreational and cultural value.

However, human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change are threatening these ecosystems. This puts not only the biodiversity within them at risk but also our own well-being. By understanding how ecosystems work and how they are affected by human activities, we can work towards their conservation and sustainable use.

Resources:

To deepen your understanding and prepare for this project, you may consult the following resources:

1. Book: "Biology: The Core", by Simon, E. J., Dickey, J. L., Reece, J. B., & Hogan, K. A. This book provides a comprehensive overview of ecosystem concepts.

2. Video: "Introduction to Ecosystems". This video by Crash Course on YouTube provides a fun and engaging introduction to the topic.

3. Website: National Geographic - Ecosystems. This site offers detailed information on different types of ecosystems, their components, and their importance.

4. Website: The Environmental Literacy Council - Ecosystems. This site provides a more in-depth look at ecosystem concepts and includes interactive learning tools.

Practical Activity:

Activity Title: "Ecosystem in a Bottle"

Objective of the Project:

To understand the concept of an ecosystem and its components, to observe and analyze the interactions within an ecosystem, and to demonstrate how these interactions can be disrupted by external factors.

Description of the Project:

In this project, your team will create and observe a mini-ecosystem contained in a sealed bottle. The ecosystem will consist of a plant, soil, water, and air. By sealing the system, you will create a mini, self-sustaining ecosystem where the plant's photosynthesis will produce oxygen, while the process of respiration by the plant and the microorganisms in the soil will produce carbon dioxide. The water cycle will also be observed as water evaporates from the soil and plant, condenses on the bottle's walls, and falls back into the soil.

Necessary Materials:

1. A large clear plastic bottle (2-liter soda bottle)
2. Gravel
3. Activated charcoal (available at pet stores)
4. Potting soil
5. Seeds of a small plant (such as basil or lettuce)
6. Water
7. A piece of cardboard or black construction paper
8. A marker
9. A ruler
10. A scale
11. A camera (or a smartphone with a camera)
12. A notebook and pen for documenting observations.

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Preparation: Wash and dry the plastic bottle. Remove the label. Cut the bottle in half, keeping the top half (which has the cap) and discarding the bottom half.

2. Layering: In the bottom of the bottle, put a 1-inch layer of gravel. This will serve as drainage for the soil. On top of the gravel, add a 1-inch layer of activated charcoal. This will help filter the water and air within the ecosystem, mimicking the natural purification processes in the environment.

3. Planting: Fill the rest of the bottle with potting soil, leaving enough space at the top for watering. Plant the seeds according to the packet instructions and water the plant.

4. Sealing: Once the plant has started growing, seal the bottle with the cap. You have just created a mini-ecosystem!

5. Observation: Place the sealed bottle in a sunny spot and observe it daily. Make sure to record your observations in your notebook. Take photos of the ecosystem at regular intervals for documentation.

6. Measurement: Using the ruler, measure the plant's height every week. Record the measurements in your notebook.

7. Weighing: Using the scale, weigh the bottle every week to monitor the water cycle. Record the weights in your notebook.

Project Deliverables:

The written report should be divided into four main parts:

1. Introduction: In this section, the students should provide a context for the project, its relevance, and the objective(s) of the project.

2. Development: Here, the students should detail the theory behind the project, the steps taken to create the ecosystem, the methodology used for observation and data collection, and the results obtained. The students should also discuss any unexpected findings or difficulties faced during the project.

3. Conclusions: In this section, the students should revisit the main points of the project, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project.

4. Bibliography: The students should list all the resources that they used for the project, including books, websites, videos, etc.

The report should be written in a clear, organized, and detailed manner, with references made to the practical part of the project where applicable. The written report, along with the photos and the plant's growth and the bottle's weight data, will be used to assess the students' understanding of the ecosystem concept, their ability to apply the scientific method, their teamwork, and their project management skills.

Remember, the goal of this project is not just to create a successful mini-ecosystem but to understand how ecosystems function, how their balance can be disrupted, and the implications of this disruption. So, keep observing, keep learning, and have fun!