Energy in Ecosystems Digital Science Activity 5th Grade NGSS 5-PS3-1

In this Energy in Ecosystems Digital Science Mini Lesson and Activity, students will learn how energy from the sun is transferred to animals through a chain of events that begins with plants producing food, then being eaten by animals. Aligned to NGSS 5-PS3-1, this interactive digital resource introduces students to key science vocabulary, builds background knowledge, develops deeper understanding, and assesses learning.

Students begin by reviewing Tier 3 Academic Vocabulary, then watch a short, engaging custom video that clearly explains the energy in ecosystems.

Next, students analyze different scenarios in which the energy from the sun is transferred. In these scenarios, students will watch short clips showing different scenarios about energy transfer and give their answers.

The activity concludes with a short quiz about energy in ecosystems, so students can test what they’ve learned.

⚡What is a Lightning Lesson? – Lightning Lessons are short, engaging, easy to use, fully digital lessons. Each lesson:

• Introduces and Builds Tier 3 Academic Vocabulary
• Explains Key Concepts with Engaging Videos and/or Digital Lessons
• Connects Science to Everyday Life with Practice Activities
• Tests Student Learning with a Short Quiz or Assessment
• Contains Audio Read Aloud Option for Emergent Readers or Students with Special Needs

✨ MagiCore WebLink Digital Resource – This resource uses the power of MagiCore’s WebLink for an interactive browser based experience that is easy to use and keeps students engaged and learning. Once you try a MagiCore WebLink activity, you’ll never look at Google Slides the same way again. CLICK HERE to experience it for yourself!

NOTE: This entire unit is digital. It is NOT printable. The final screen includes an option to view or print a summary of the student’s responses.

*Videos are not hosted on YouTube. This resource does not require YouTube access.

Key Features:

• No Prep: Each lesson is designed to take 30-45 minutes, making them perfect for quick practice sessions. Everything you need from preteaching vocabulary, video lesson, activity, reading, and quiz is included. Just share the link or use the QR code and you’re good to go!
• Audio Support: Every lesson includes audio to aid in pronunciation and understanding. Audio options help support emergent readers or students with special needs.
• Self-Correcting: Immediate feedback helps students learn and correct mistakes on the spot.
• Repeatable Practice: Students can practice lessons multiple times to reinforce and master skills.

⚡ Immediate Student Feedback! Students will see if their answers are correct or incorrect for each question or activity. Teachers can review or print responses at the end of the lesson.

How to Use a Lightning Lesson:

Perfect for whole class lessons projected on a Smartboard or projector OR for independent student practice, centers, or review. There are so many ways to use a Lightning Lesson. All you need is a device and an internet connection!

Aligned to NGSS 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

What’s Included?

1. Key Vocabulary
2. Custom Video Introducing Energy in Ecosystems
3. Energy in Ecosystems Activity
4. Energy in Ecosystems Quiz
5. Printable Answer Sheet

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