This engaging post-AP Biology project challenges students to design a scientifically accurate model ecosystem based on a real-world biome. Students will analyze ecological relationships, simulate energy flow, and assess ecosystem stability through an interactive and creative lens. Ideal for end-of-year exploration or extension beyond the AP curriculum, this activity deepens understanding of systems thinking and ecological interactions.

Standards Alignment:

• NGSS High School Life Science: HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-4, HS-LS2-6
• NGSS Middle School Life Science: MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4
• Common Core ELA: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 (for explanation and synthesis in written analysis)

Detailed Description:

Content:
This resource includes:

• A student handout with guided steps for ecosystem design
• Graphic organizers for system components and food web construction
• A diagram template for ecosystem and nutrient cycle mapping
• Analytical questions on energy flow, nutrient cycling, and stability
• A reflection writing prompt
• Teacher guide and answer key for formative assessment

Key Learning Objectives:
Students will:

• Identify and classify producers, consumers, decomposers, and abiotic factors in a selected biome
• Construct a food web illustrating trophic relationships and energy transfer
• Model nutrient cycling and energy flow in a closed-loop ecosystem
• Evaluate ecological stability, human impact, and system resilience
• Use scientific reasoning to analyze population dynamics and carrying capacity

Grade Level:
Grades 9–12, adaptable for honors/AP Biology and environmental science courses. Also suitable as an enrichment or capstone project for advanced middle school students.

Usage:

• Use after the AP Biology exam as a culminating project
• Integrate into ecology or biogeochemical cycles units
• Assign as a collaborative group project or independent assignment
• Adapt for virtual or in-person instruction

Benefits:

• Promotes systems thinking and creative scientific modeling
• Encourages independent research and critical thinking
• Differentiated by allowing student choice in biome selection
• Ready-to-use and easily modified for classroom needs
• Provides authentic assessment of key NGSS ecology standards

Instructions:
Students choose a biome, research species and conditions, and then complete a step-by-step design of a hypothetical ecosystem. They will draw models, construct food webs, analyze population dynamics, and reflect on system complexity. Diagrams can be completed digitally or on paper. Provide colored pencils or use online tools for visual creation.

Feedback Request:
We welcome your feedback! Please share your thoughts, classroom successes, or suggestions by emailing SethScienceResources@gmail.com.

Terms of Use:
This resource is for single-teacher use only. You may print and copy for your classroom. Do not distribute, share online, or modify for resale. If you’d like to adapt this for multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses or contact for site licensing.