Web of Life Worksheet Web of Life
Expedition Log: Ecosystems & Food Webs
Name:
Date:
Field Notes: Energy on the Move
Every living thing needs energy to survive. In an ecosystem, this energy flows from one organism to another, starting with the Sun. Producers , such as plants and algae, are the foundation of this flow. They use sunlight to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
Animals are consumers because they cannot make their own food. Some are herbivores that eat only plants, while carnivores eat other animals. When energy travels in a single path—from the Sun to a plant, to a grasshopper, and then to a bird—we call it a food chain .
However, ecosystems are more complex. Most animals eat more than one type of food. A food web is a network of many overlapping food chains. Finally, decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organisms, returning vital nutrients to the soil. This cycle ensures that energy and matter continue to support life in the ecosystem.
Logbook Terms: Match the Definition
1
Producer
2
Consumer
3
Decomposer
4
Food Web
A. A network of overlapping food chains.
B. Breaks down dead plants and animals.
C. An organism that eats other organisms.
D. An organism that makes its own food.
Multiple Choice
1. Where does the energy for most food webs come from?
A. The Soil
B. The Sun
C. Decomposers
D. Rain
2. Which of these organisms is a producer?
A. Mushroom
B. Grasshopper
C. Green Algae
D. Hawk
Field Analysis
Explain the difference between a food chain and a food web. Why is a food web a better model for an ecosystem?
Matter Master Worksheet Matter Master
Lab Report: Properties of Matter
Name:
Date:
Scientific Observation: What is Matter?
Everything you can see, touch, or smell is made of matter . Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up space (volume). Scientists use physical properties to describe and identify different types of matter. Some common properties include color, texture, and state.
Matter usually exists in three main states : solid, liquid, and gas. In a solid, particles are packed tightly together and vibrate in place. Liquids have particles that can slide past each other, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container. In a gas, particles move quickly and are far apart, filling any space available.
Other important properties include density and solubility . Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a certain volume (if something sinks or floats). Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance, like salt dissolving in water. By measuring these properties, we can understand the world around us.
Key Concepts: Fill in the Blanks
MassVolumeSolidGasDensity
1. The amount of space an object takes up is called its .
2. In a , particles are spread far apart and move very fast.
3. tells us if an object will sink or float in water.
4. The amount of "stuff" or matter in an object is its .
Multiple Choice
1. Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume?
A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
2. Stirring sugar into water is observing which property?
A. Density
B. Solubility
C. Magnetism
Lab Summary
How are water, ice, and steam the same? How are they different?
Celestial Clockwork Worksheet Celestial Clockwork
Star Map: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Name:
Date:
Observatory Notes: Our Moving Neighborhood
The Earth, Moon, and Sun are constantly in motion. The Sun is a star at the center of our solar system. The Earth revolves around the Sun once every 365 days (one year). At the same time, the Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, which creates our cycle of day and night.
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It revolves around the Earth about once every 28 days. As the Moon moves, we see different amounts of its lit side from Earth. These changing shapes are called moon phases . The cycle starts with a New Moon (dark) and grows to a Full Moon.
Because the Earth is tilted on its axis as it orbits the Sun, different parts of the planet receive more direct sunlight at different times. This tilt is what causes our seasons . When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, it experiences summer, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter.
Space Vocabulary: True or False
T
F
1. Earth rotating on its axis causes day and night.
T
F
2. It takes one year for the Moon to orbit the Earth.
T
F
3. The Earth's tilt is the main cause of the seasons.
Multiple Choice
1. Earth going around the Sun is called:
A. Rotation
B. Revolution
C. Evaporation
2. Time for one full Earth rotation:
A. 1 Month
B. 365 Days
C. 24 Hours
Mission Report
Explain why the Moon seems to change shape. Does it actually change shape?
Science Quest Answer Key Answer Key: Science Quest Expedition
1. Web of Life (Ecosystems)
Vocabulary
1. Producer: D
2. Consumer: C
3. Decomposer: B
4. Food Web: A
Multiple Choice
1. B (The Sun)
2. C (Green Algae)
Short Response Sample:
A food chain follows one path of energy (e.g., grass -> rabbit -> fox). A food web shows many overlapping chains. A web is better because most animals eat more than one thing, showing a more realistic view of the ecosystem.
2. Matter Master (Properties)
Fill in the Blanks
1. Volume
2. Gas
3. Density
4. Mass
Multiple Choice
1. C (Solid)
2. B (Solubility)
Short Response Sample:
They are all the same because they are all made of water (H2O) and have mass/volume. They are different because they are in different states: ice is a solid, water is a liquid, and steam is a gas.
3. Celestial Clockwork (Space)
True or False
1. True
2. False (Takes 28 days)
3. True
Multiple Choice
1. B (Revolution)
2. C (24 Hours)
Short Response Sample:
The Moon doesn't change shape; it's always a sphere. It seems to change because it orbits Earth, and we see different amounts of its sunlit half from our position on Earth.
