They consider the role of different organisms in the Biome and also what might happen if particular organisms were removed from the food web – contrasting this to the role of ‘keystone’ species in a real rainforest. Students discover that Eden’s Rainforest Ecosystem is not as natural as it may first appear and that the scientists have to work hard behind the scenes to keep things in balance, particularly when it comes to dealing with pests. Next, students use the food web and some extra information from our Eden scientists to consider the merits of biocontrol versus pesticides to control pest populations in our Biome. Finally, they consider how we should effectively communicate this scientific information to Eden’s visitors.
For more equally inspirational lesson plans written by the Eden Project please visit http://www.edenproject.com/learn/schools/lesson-plans