The Generation Genius Ecosystems lesson plan for Grades 3–5 teaches students that organisms can only survive in ecosystems where their needs are met, emphasizing the interactions between living things (plants, animals) and nonliving components (soil, water, air). Through activities like ecosystem connection cards, group discussions, and a DIY terrarium, students explore how organisms depend on each other and their environment, and how changes—such as shifts in temperature, water availability, or habitat—impact survival. The lesson aligns with Next Generation Science Standards by encouraging students to construct arguments with evidence, analyze cause‑and‑effect relationships, and recognize how ecosystems function as interconnected systems. It blends video, hands‑on exploration, and reflection to build understanding of adaptation, biodiversity, and resilience in ecosystems.

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