Food Chains and Food Webs

Summary
This lesson defines and illustrates food chains, food webs, and the effect changes in populations have on a community.

Objectives
• The student will understand the interdependence of species living within a community.

• The student will be able to describe the effects of changes in species population as related to other species in their community.

• The student will be able to draw and complete both a food chain and a food web.

• The student, when given a food chain, can make generalization about potential outcomes if one or more species population experiences a significant change (increase or decrease).

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
Food chains and food webs examine how the nutrients and energy contained in food is passed from organism to organism. Each living thing, whether it is a plant or animal, depends on nutrients and energy to survive and reproduce.

Food Chains and Food Webs

When you think of a food chain, think of a road to get from your classroom to the cafeteria. A food chain is one specific route to get from point A to point B. A food web is like a map of your school with all the possible ways to get from your class to the cafeteria marked. For example you may leave your classroom and turn left, go down the hall, through the library, and come out next to the cafeteria.

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