Ecosystems Take Home Test

Science Take-Home Pretest

Ecosystems

This is a take home test for the ecosystems unit, attempting to tie together all of the life sciences we have covered this year. This test is designed to accomplish two goals. First, and most important, is the chance for you to monitor and evaluate the progress that you see in your student. Second is the opportunity to discover what your student is doing and learning at school. I will use your evaluation as part of the grade for this pre-test and greatly appreciate the time that you will be taking for this activity.

There are several questions that your student needs to answer. Students are allowed to use any notes that they have written. Typed material that was handed out in class may not be used. I do not expect you to know all of the answers – just listen and base your score on how well you feel that they knew the information. You only need to use your best judgement.

Grade each question and record the score to the left of the question. The score will be based on all eight questions – NO QUESTIONS MAY BE SKIPPED. The scoring is as follows:

A Fully explains the answer with little need for notes, except for diagrams or samples.

B Can explain the answer but may have some points where notes have to be read before continuing the explanation.

C Can explain the answer but needs extensive use of notes. Some parts of the answer may not be clear, but, overall, the answer seems to make sense.

D Can explain only part of the answer with the use of notes.

Score Question

_____ 1. Explain the different stages that a community goes through from no organism to a stable community. Include how pioneer species are different than climax species.

_____ 2. Explain how predators and prey are dependent on each other for their population sizes. Be sure to include why their populations cannot peak at the same time.

_____ 3. What are three irreversible affects that humans have had on Earth’s ecosystems.

_____ 4. Practice your ecosystem presentation with your family. Explain how the earth, water and living systems are interacting in your ecosystem.

_____ 5. What is an ecosystem? Give an example of an ecosystem.

_____ 6. Explain the difference between a community and a population.

_____ 7. What basic needs are provided by an organisms habitat?

_____ 8. Why is the study of both biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem necessary?

This test must be completed by _________. If you wish to have another adult or teacher administer the test, sign in the appropriate place below. In the event that this test is not returned by _____________, your student will receive a zero (0) on this assignment

__________________ (student’s name) has completed this test with me.

__________________________________ Parent / Guardian

__________________________________ Other Adult (only if necessary)

__________________________________ Date