Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Biology → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Year 12 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: define the terms ecosystem and niche
Learning Objective/s:
  • Define ecosystem and niche accurately.
  • Compare the scope, components, and scale of ecosystems versus niches.
  • Explain why these concepts are essential for biodiversity and conservation.
  • Interpret energy‑flow diagrams and relate them to species’ roles.
  • Apply the definitions to analyse a given habitat and a species’ niche.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts with definitions and comparison table
  • Forest ecosystem diagram (digital or poster)
  • Sticky notes for student examples
  • Worksheets for exit ticket
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick image of a forest and ask students what living and non‑living elements they notice. Review prior knowledge of habitats and food chains, linking them to today’s focus. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to define ecosystem and niche and use them to explain species interactions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list biotic and abiotic components they see in the projected forest image; teacher collects responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define ecosystem, highlight energy flow and nutrient cycles using the diagram.
  3. Interactive discussion (8’) – Define niche, explore examples (e.g., woodpecker) and fill the comparison table on board.
  4. Group activity (12’) – Teams receive a habitat card, identify ecosystem components, and draft a niche statement for a species on sticky notes.
  5. Gallery walk & feedback (8’) – Groups display notes; peers give one comment using “I notice…”.
  6. Formative check (5’) – Quick quiz (Kahoot or handout) with three questions on definitions and differences.
Conclusion:
Summarise that ecosystems are whole systems of interacting biotic and abiotic parts, while niches describe the specific role of a species within that system. Ask each student to write one key takeaway on a slip of paper as an exit ticket. For homework, assign a short research task to find a real‑world example of a niche and explain how it supports biodiversity.