mBot: Ecosystems Interactions (Gr. 7)

Mutualism and Competition

Description

In this lesson, students learn about the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem and discover the ways organisms interact with one another and their environment. Students will work in pairs to complete two programming challenges. First, students program mBot to "forage" for food in a mutualistic relationship with their “prey” (much like a plant-pollinator interaction). In the second challenge, students program mBot to complete with another mBot!

Objectives

Students will:

  • Be able to define “ecosystem”
  • Be able to describe the three main types of ecosystem interactions: mutualism, competition, predation (including herbivory and parasitism).
  • Create a computer program for mBot using tightly calibrated motor commands, sounds, and light

Curriculum Connections Summary

  • Ontario - Mathematics - Algebra (Coding)
  • Quebec - Science
  • New Brunswick - Science
  • Nova Scotia - ICT
  • Alberta - ICT/CTF
  • British Columbia - ADST
  • Manitoba - Science
  • Prince Edward Island - Science
  • Saskatchewan - Science
  • Newfoundland & Labrador - Science
  • Yukon Territories - Follow's B.C.'s Curriculum
  • Northwest Territories - Follows Alberta's Curriculum
  • Nunavut - Follows Alberta's Curriculum


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mBot

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