Central Idea: Ecosystems function through interdependent relationships, and human decisions directly impact the balance and sustainability of living systems.
Age Group: PYP 3 (7–9 years)
Duration: Full-Day Systems Inquiry Program
Venue: Big Barn Farm
Learning Style: Concept-driven • Field Research • Systems Mapping • Reflective Inquiry
Includes: Pre Tour, On Tour and Post Tour Activities
“Systems of Survival” transforms Big Barn Farm into a functioning ecosystem case study. Students investigate biological needs, analyse interdependence across food chains, examine farm infrastructure as a support system, and evaluate how human choices influence sustainability.
The day progresses through three conceptual layers:
Observation → Analysis → Systems Evaluation
Students leave not just knowing what farms do, but how and why they function.
• Research – structured data collection and classification
• Thinking – cause-effect reasoning, systems mapping
• Communication – evidence-based explanation
• Social – collaborative synthesis and peer critique
• Self-Management – responsible and independent field inquiry
Students will:
• Analyse how animals and plants meet survival needs
• Identify food chains within the farm ecosystem
• Examine how farm tools and structures support living systems
• Evaluate the role of humans in maintaining balance
• Record structured field observations
• Construct ecosystem maps based on evidence
Students will:
• Document behavioural and habitat observations from multiple zones
• Identify at least two food chain examples
• Explain one adaptation observed
• Analyse one human intervention in the farm system
• Construct a labelled ecosystem web
• Reflect on sustainable versus unsustainable practices
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