Help your students grasp the essential concepts of dependence and competition in ecosystems with this engaging notes and vocabulary resource! Perfect for middle school science, this resource walks students through how organisms rely on both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors to survive, while also exploring how competition shapes ecosystems.

This resource includes:

• Guided Notes with fill-in-the-blank sections to keep students engaged during instruction
  
• Clear explanations of dependence and competition with real-world examples
  
• A “Words to Know” section introducing key vocabulary: predation, prey, competition, dependence
  
• Examples of biotic vs. abiotic dependence and competition for resources
  
• Answer Key for quick grading or guided review
  

Aligned with 6th Grade TEKS (6.12A, 6.12C) and NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, this resource strengthens both science content knowledge and academic vocabulary.

How It Can Be Used

• Interactive Lecture Support: Students follow along and complete notes during your lesson, keeping them actively engaged.
  
• Science Notebooks: Perfect for cutting, gluing, and organizing as a study tool for ecosystems units.
  
• Review & Reinforcement: Use before a quiz, test, or STAAR review to revisit essential concepts.
  
• Independent Practice or Homework: Assign as practice to reinforce classroom instruction.
  
• Small Group or Partner Work: Students can work together to discuss examples of dependence and competition in ecosystems.
  
• Substitute Plans: With guided structure and an included answer key, this resource works well as an easy-to-use sub plan.