Handout: Schoolyard Ecosystem Audit
Investigating the living and non-living things in our own backyard.
Your Audit Zone
Location: _________________________
Description: (e.g., Under the big pōhutukawa tree, the corner of the field)
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Component Checklist
In your audit zone, find and record examples of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
Biotic (Living) Factors
- Plants: ____________________
- Insects: ___________________
- Birds (seen or heard): ________
- Worms/Slugs: ______________
- Fungi/Mushrooms: __________
- Other: _____________________
Abiotic (Non-Living) Factors
- Sunlight (sunny/shady): _____
- Water (puddles, damp soil): __
- Soil/Dirt type: ____________
- Rocks/Stones: ______________
- Temperature (warm/cool): ____
- Other: _____________________
Interactions
Describe one interaction you observed between a biotic and an abiotic factor.
Example: I saw a worm (biotic) burrowing into the damp soil (abiotic). This helps mix the soil.
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Kaitiakitanga Question
What is one thing we could do in this area to be good kaitiaki (guardians)?
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