What is an Ecosystem?

This page contains the following sections
	Understanding Ecosystems • Resources • Activities

What is an ecosystem? Look at the way ecological systems interact at local, regional and global levels.
Look at how ecosystems are dynamic and changing.
What is the value of ecosystems? How does the interaction of ecological systems provide benefit to humans, especially in the provision of healthy water?
What is ecology? How can the study of ecology demonstrate the importance of ecosystems to human wellbeing at local, regional and global levels?
What are the different biomes across the world?
What is the connection between ecosystem functioning and overall catchment health?

Type	Description	Resources Covering the Topic
Easy	- Ecosystems. - Discusses different types of ecosystems from across the world.	MBG Net http://mbgnet.mobot.org/
	- Ecosystems: an introduction. - A brief but succinct introduction to what ecosystems are.	United States Geological Survey http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/explorer/ topic_eco.htm
	- What is Ecology? - Brief description.	Geographyforkids.com http://geography4kids.com/files/land_ecology.html
	- What is an Ecosystem? - Brief description with examples.	Geographyforkids.com http://geography4kids.com/files/ land_ecosystem.html
	- What is an Ecosystem?	Environment Canada http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/faq.html#head6_2
	- Ecosystems of Our World. What is a Biome? - Easy to understand with good links to examples.	Ecosystems of Our world http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/text/ ecosystems.htm?tqskip1=1&tqtime=0519
More Comprehensive	- What is an Ecosystem?	Environment Canada http://www.eman-rese.ca/eman/faq.html#head6_2
More Comprehensive	- Values for Human Use of Water. - Comprehensive summary of human use and intrinsic value of aquatic systems and use of water.	NSW EPA http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/soe/soe2000/bw/ bw_2.htm#bw_2_h025
More Complex	- Comprehensive and thorough review of ecosystem services with examples.	Biodiversity and Human Health http://www.ecology.org/biod/value/ EcosystemServices.html
	- What is an Ecosystem? - Thorough site with excellent links.	Washington State University http://www.wsu.edu:8001/vcwsu/commons/ topics/top_ecosystem/
	- People and Ecosystems. - Thorough site with excellent links.	World Resources 2000-2001 http://www.wri.org/wr2000/pdf.html

Band	Activity	Contact
Early Years	- Our Patch and Catchment Care Programs. - Run by the Patawalonga and Torrens, Onkaparinga and North Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Management Boards. - Programs assist students in learning about biodiversity issues and assist in activities that address associated environmental problems.	SA Catchment Water Management Boards http://www.catchments.net/
	- Create a River Habitat. - Classroom drawing activity.	North Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Management Board http://www.nab.waterwatch.org.au/
	- Act-an-Aquatic. - Uses dressing up to explore a variety of adaptations of aquatic creatures.	Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board http://www.onkaparinga.net/caring/ waterwatch.shtml#aquatic
	- The Lifecycle of a Butterfly. - Lots of activities, photos and detailed information about different types of butterflies.	Stradbroke Primary School http://www.stradsch.sa.edu.au/miers/
Primary Years	- Our Patch and Catchment Care Programs. - Run by the Patawalonga and Torrens, Onkaparinga and North Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Management Boards. - Programs assist students in learning about biodiversity issues and assist in activities that address associated environmental problems.	SA Catchment Water Management Boards http://www.catchments.net/
	- Web site provides links to activities through the Biowhat? Kit. - A starter kit for primary schools, to conserve and promote biodiversity in their school community.	South Australian Urban Forest Biodiversity Program http://www.urbanforest.on.net/main.htm
	- Explore Your Wetland. - Organise a trip to your local wetland and we will assist you in learning about how they work.	Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board http://www.onkaparinga.net/caring/ waterwatch.shtml#aquatic
	- Why Wetlands? - The role of wetlands in improving water quality and provision of habitats.	KESAB Patawalonga and Torrens Waterwatch http://www.cwmb.sa.gov.au/kwc/section1/1-11.htm
	- A range of Murray River habitats activities to do in the classroom. - Download and print off sheets to participate. - Many activities for the Primary Years.	The Murray Urban Users Committee http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/ teaching_resources.htm#Primary%20Years%20Band Year%203-Year%205
	- River Habitats. - Classroom and outdoor activity session that focuses on what habitats are, why they are important, different habitat types and conducting habitat surveys. - Lower Murray region only.	River Murray Waterwatch http://www.sa.waterwatch.org.au/catchmen.htm http://www.lm.net.au/~sacare/waterwatch/index.html
	- Food Webs. - Primary school activities and teacher notes.	Gould League http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/ index.html#food%20webs
	- Lots of activities, descriptions and facts about habitats of the world.	Enchanted Learning http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/ pond/pondlife.shtml
	- Guided walks, education officer assisted lessons, hands on kits, special events and Aboriginal guides for indigenous plant use walks.	SA Government Ecosystems Biodiversity and Native Vegetation Botanic Gardens http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/ education.html
Middle Years	- Our Patch and Catchment Care Programs. - Run by the Patawalonga and Torrens, Onkaparinga and North Adelaide Barossa Catchment Water Management Boards. - Programs assist students in learning about biodiversity issues and assist in activities that address associated environmental problems.	SA Catchment Water Management Boards http://www.catchments.net/
	- Why Wetlands? - The role of wetlands in improving water quality and provision of habitats.	KESAB Patawalonga and Torrens Waterwatch http://www.cwmb.sa.gov.au/kwc/section1/1-11.htm
	- Food Webs. - Secondary school activities and teacher notes.	Gould League http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/ index.html#food%20webs
	- River Habitats. - Classroom and outdoor activity session that focuses on what habitats are, why they are important, different types and conducting habitat surveys. - Lower Murray region only.	River Murray Waterwatch http://www.sa.waterwatch.org.au/catchmen.htm http://www.lm.net.au/~sacare/waterwatch/index.html
	- A range of River Murray habitats activities to do in the classroom. - Download and print off sheets to participate. - Many activities for the Middle years.	The Murray Urban Users Committee http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/ teaching_resources.htm#Primary%20Years%20Band Year%203-Year%205
	- Guided Walks. - Education officer assisted lessons, hands on kits, special events and Aboriginal guides for indigenous plant use walks.	SA Government Botanic Gardens http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/ education.html