This lesson is created for students to learn about symbiotic relationships among organisms.  They will learn about the three typed of symbiosis and then write a paper explaining one specific example.

Engaging Questions

• What is parasitism?

• What common examples of parasites can you think of?

• Can humans get parasites?

• What is mutualism?

• What is commensalism?

Teacher Goals

• Define competition and distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific competition

• Identify the three types of symbiosis and give an example of each

Required Resources

• Biology Book
  
  The students will need their books to refer to when researching about symbiotic relationships.

• Library
  
  The students need reference materials that they can receive at the library so that they can research one specific symbiotic relationship. Ex: ticks and dogs

Optional Resources

• Internet
  
  The students could also use the internet to do research for their papers.

Steps

1. Explain symbiotic relationships

   Discuss parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism.  Explain the differences between these three.  Give the students specific examples for each one.

2. Assign Paper

   Assign a symbiotic relationship paper to the students.  They are to pick one symbiotic relationship (parasitism, mutualsim, or commensalism) and research one specific example.  They are to explain this relationship explaining the organsims involved and how they are affected by this relationship.

3. Give oral reports

   The students will give an oral report over their findings.  This way every student will learn in depth about different symbiotic relationships.

Teacher Notes

• Duration: This lesson should take about three days.  The first day will be the teacher explaining the assignment and having the students pick their organisms.  The second day will be spent researching and writing the paper.  The third day will be set aside for oral reports.