11th Grade The Forces Within An Aquaponics System Lesson Plan

Topic: The Forces Within an Aquaponics System

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain the forces that play a role in an aquaponics system, including thermal, biochemical, and ecological forces.

Materials

• Diagram of an aquaponics system
• Handouts with information about the different forces
• Projector or whiteboard and markers

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have heard of aquaponics. What do they know about it?
• Write the word "aquaponics" on the board and ask students to form a quick concept map about it.

Direct Instruction

• Explain that aquaponics is a system where fish and plants are raised together in a closed system.
• Warm up the class by asking a few more questions about aquaponics, such as why it is done, what the benefits are, etc.
• Introduce the concept of forces in physics, and explain that we will be looking at the different forces at work in an aquaponics system.
• Ask students to think about the different components of an aquaponics system, and what forces may be at work in each component.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs or small groups to examine a diagram of an aquaponics system and identify the different components and the forces at work in each component.
• As a class, discuss the different forces identified by the students, and how they are working together to keep the system functioning.
• Bring in a real-life aquaponics system for demonstration purposes, or show a video or slideshow with a functioning aquaponics system.

Independent Practice

• Have students complete a worksheet or activity that illustrates the different forces at work in an aquaponics system and how they interact with each other. For example, students could create a model aquaponics system using clay, plasticine, and/or modeling tools, and then create a visual representation of how the different forces are working together in their model system.

Closure

• Have students summarize the key points of the lesson in their own words, and discuss any additional questions or concepts they found interesting or challenging.

Assessment

• Observation: Observe students during the independent practice activity to ensure they are accurately measuring and recording the force experienced by the pump.
• Written reflection: Review and evaluate the written reflections completed by students as a means of assessing their understanding of the concept of force and its relevance to the functioning of the aquaponics system.