Evaporation is the process of changing a substance from a liquid to a gas.

Condensation is the change of state from a gas to a liquid.

Transpiration is the loss of water vapour through the leaves of plants (through stomata).

Precipitation is water that falls from clouds in the form of rain, sleet, snow or hail.

Material cycles: the water cycle

Combined science

Components of an ecosystem

Measuring the size and distribution of populations of organisms

Estimating population size using quadrats: practical

Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical

Competition and adaptations in ecosystems

The role of microorganisms in decomposition

Material cycles: the carbon cycle

Pupils will learn about biomass transfer including calculating the efficiency of transfers between trophic levels. They will learn about human impacts on the environment, food security and biotechnology to help maintain biodiversity and achieve food security.

Pupils learned about interdependence within ecosystems and how plants and animals are adapted to their environment. Pupils undertook ecological sampling to estimate population sizes and looked at the impact of humans on biodiversity.

This unit explores ecosystem organisation, biotic and abiotic factors, material cycling, and the role of decomposers. It covers methods for identifying species and measuring their distribution. Emphasis is on selecting appropriate techniques, accurate measurements, sampling, and fieldwork practices.

Living organisms and their environments

The heat from the sun causes water to turn into water vapour (a gas). This process is called ...

The process of water vapour cooling and turning back to a liquid is called ...

When water droplets combine in clouds they get heavier. When they are too heavy they fall to Earth. Water falling to Earth is called ...

Transpiration takes place when water vapour leaves a plant through the ...

Starting from water being turned into water vapour by the heat of the sun, put the processes in the order that they occur in the water cycle.

Chemical reactions inside cells need water.

Damp surfaces allows diffusion of gases to take place.

It transports materials around organisms.

It is essential for keeping organisms clean.

It provides structural support to plants.

Which of the following is not a reason why water is important for life?

Which of the following organisms are decomposers?

Carbon dioxide is an important part of which of the following cycles?

How is carbon returned to the atmosphere in the carbon cycle?

Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air. They use this for {{}}.

They break down dead organisms and waste material.

Why are decomposers important in a stable ecosystem?

The carbon dioxide levels are decreasing as plants are photosynthesising more.

The carbon dioxide levels are increasing as we are burning more fossil fuels.

The carbon dioxide levels are increasing as all organisms are respiring less.

The carbon dioxide levels are increasing due to deforestation.

The carbon dioxide levels are decreasing as the oceans absorb it all.

Which of the following statements about the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is correct?

Material cycles: the water cycle

Lesson outcome