Food Webs

The first module, Food Webs, explores the links between living things and their energy sources. Linking back to the Energy Sources module in the Physical Science Book, Food Webs shows how food chains are built linking the sun, plants, and animals as energy sources and/or users.

Explore screenshot
Click to Play Demo

The Explore session promotes interest in and curiosity about food webs. In this session students attempt to solve a puzzle by following a set of rules. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that encourages them to wonder about where different animals get their energy. To complete the session, students work collaboratively offline and further explore the living parts of a food web.

Go With The Flow screenshot
Click to Play Demo
Go With The Flow

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Food Webs
Food Webs module
At a Glance

Food Webs

All living things need energy to live and grow. Most plants get their energy from sunlight whereas people and other animals get their energy from the food they eat. This module explores the relationships between living things and the energy sources they need to thrive.

Core Concept

Food chains and food webs illustrate the flow of energy through a system of living things.

Essential Vocabulary

carnivore, depend, energy, energy flow, food chain, food web, herbivore, omnivore, predator, prey


  • One section of the “Teacher Explain”
  • One of the 40 teacher support documents

Support Document

Once students explore the concept of food chains through lessons and hands-on activities, they learn that many food chains are connected in a food web. Through this study, students are introduced to the concepts of carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores as well as predators and prey, paving the way for later learning about animals and the natural world.