Unit 8.2

Pollination patrol

In this unit, students will explore the role of pollinators in ecosystems by programming a simulation of an automated pollination system in Scratch. Students will begin by simulating the random movement of pollinators using loops. They will then use conditional statements to develop an understanding of environmental interactions by creating sprites that detect and respond to sensory input. Students will use cloning to represent biodiversity and variables to track and analyze program data from their simulation. By the end of the unit, students will combine these concepts to design, build, and share their own automated pollinator simulation.

school
Grade 8
local_library
Subject Science
schedule
Length of unit 5 hours

Overview documents

1

Move with purpose

Students learn about the role of pollinators in ecosystems and how to simulate random flight patterns in Scratch.

2

Detection

Students explore how pollinators detect flowers using sensory input. They learn to use conditional statements to make decisions regarding environmental input.

3

Biodiversity

Students simulate biodiversity using cloning in Scratch and explore the diversity of plant ecosystems.

4

Tracking data

Students explore how data can provide information on agricultural decisions and use variables to collect and analyze simulated data.

5

Automated systems

Students create a simulation of an automated pollinator system in Scratch.

6

Project showcase

Students finalize their pollination systems and share their projects with their peers in a class gallery walk.