• Know the ecosystem of the tree.

• Know the different components of the tree ecosystem.
• Understand the dependence of different components on each other.

Feeling:

• Feel the importance of the tree ecosystem.
• Become sensitive towards the need of each component in an ecosystem and the balance in the ecosystem.
• Realise the fact that God has created nature in harmony.

Doing:

• Think of the relationship, which exists in the tree ecosystem.
• Write, draw and discuss the need and importance of each component in the ecosystem of the tree. The pictures can be of leaves, flowers, branches, roots and the animals such as birds and reptiles that live on it.
• Spread the messages to others (family, community and friends) about the need and dependence of each component of the ecosystem.

WHAT IS REQUIRED:

Basic stationary, fallen leaves, dead insects

WHAT TO DO:

• Discuss the parts of a tree and the life depending on it. (Leaves, flowers, stems, fruits, insects, birds, microorganisms etc). You should also talk about the non living substances on which the tree is dependent such as air, water, minerals, organic compounds, soil etc (notes below)
• Now ask the students to collect as many things as possible as per the discussion. They can bring the dead insects or the feathers of the birds or the pictures of the animals or they can draw them and cut them in appropriate sizes.
• Now you can ask the children to draw a tree (They can colour it if they wish to do).
• Now they can stick the leaves, fruit and other animals to this tree, where they think they are most commonly seen. For example the insects are found on the trees and also on the soil near the tree, rabbits are found on the soil
• This whole exercise can give them an idea about the ecosystem of the tree. Now you can talk about the dependance of different components on each other:

1. Plants (the tree) are the producers and provide food for different animals. They use sunlight, soil, water and air to make their own food.
2. Consumers are the different animals that depend on the plants and on each other for food.
3. Decomposers decompose the dead plant and animal matter This provides minerals for the trees and the other plants in that area.
4. Birds get shelter and food from the trees and in turn they help in the dissemination of seeds. You can use a table for the discussion ( for older students).

EVALUATION OF THE LESSON:

Students can be asked to discuss the importance of having a complete and balanced ecosystem. They can be asked to think of a tree, which does not have any biotic life (no birds, no insects, no squirrels etc) and what will happen to it.

They can be encouraged to make a picture of tree without any biotic life. They can also write the feelings of the tree without any other life form around it, the feelings of  birds without any trees or they can describe the feelings of other living or nonliving components present in the ecosystem of the tree by using different situations.

Notes about the tree's ecosystem:

A tree is viewed as a complete ecosystem with the biotic and abiotic components which includes:

Biotic components:

• Producers: Tree itself
• Consumers: Spiders, butterflies, grass hopper, beetles, birds, burrowing animals such as rabbits, badgers, moles, mice.
• Decomposers/saprophytes: Bacteria, fungi, earthworms

Abiotic components

• Source of energy: sun
• Air
• Water
• Soil