Topic 2.2: Energy and Biomass

Master Topic 2.2 of the updated IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) course with this comprehensive student workbook, fully aligned to the syllabus for first examinations in 2026. This workbook connects directly to the IB ESS videos on the IB ESSentials YouTube channel and additional resources on the Topic 2.2 page at MrKremerScience.com.

This workbook helps students understand how energy flows unidirectionally through trophic levels with decreasing efficiency due to heat loss and respiration. Through guided notes, structured practice activities, and a complete answer key, students explore photosynthesis, trophic levels, productivity measurements, and biomass transfer in food chains and webs. Designed for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students, it provides a clear pathway through the most important concepts and terminology in Topic 2.2.

Whether used in the classroom, for homework, revision, independent study, or exam preparation, this workbook encourages active learning and helps students develop the analytical skills required for success in IB ESS.

What You’ll Learn

Topic 2.2: Energy and Biomass

Students explore:

How energy flows unidirectionally through ecosystems
Thermodynamic principles governing energy transfers
How photosynthesis captures solar energy
The difference between producers and other trophic levels
The role of respiration in releasing heat energy
How energy transfers between trophic levels
Why energy decreases moving up food chains
How productivity measures ecosystem efficiency
Biomass accumulation in living organisms
How food webs interconnect different feeding relationships

What’s Included

✔ Coverage of all Topic 2.2 syllabus statements for SL and HL

✔ Content aligned to the updated IB ESS syllabus (first examinations 2026)

✔ Key vocabulary tables with space for definitions

✔ Guided notes that mirror IB assessment language and command terms

✔ Structured practice activities including energy flow diagrams and productivity calculations

✔ Exam-style short-answer and extended-response questions

✔ Critical-thinking opportunities aligned with Assessment Objectives AO1 and AO2

✔ Complete answer key included

Why Students Love This Workbook

Unlike traditional revision notes, this workbook makes energy flow tangible and understandable. By working through diagrams and calculations, students see why ecosystems cannot support endless trophic levels. Students build confidence while developing the skills to analyze, explain, and evaluate energy transfer and productivity in different ecosystems.

Students can use the workbook throughout the course or as a focused revision tool before assessments.

Ideal For

IB Environmental Systems and Societies students
Standard Level (SL) students
Higher Level (HL) students
IB teachers seeking ready-to-use classroom resources
Homeschool learners following the IB curriculum
Students preparing for quizzes, tests, and final examinations

Product Details

Format: Digital PDF Download

Course: IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)

Subtopic: Topic 2.2 – Energy and Biomass

Level: SL and HL

Answer Key: Included

Author: Bradley M Kremer

Publisher: IB ESSentials

Syllabus Alignment: First Examinations 2026

Important Information

This resource is independently produced and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Your purchase includes a license for individual educational use unless otherwise specified.

Explore additional IB ESS workbooks, revision resources, study guides, and teaching materials at ibessentials.org. (Coming soon!)

Respiration

IB ESS Topic 2.2 Student Workbook: Energy and Biomass in Ecosystems (SL/HL, 2026) | PDF with Answer Key

PSOW – Practical 2.2A Systems Diagram of an Ecosystem with Teacher’s Notes

PSOW – Practical 2.2D Energy Transfer Efficiency with Teacher’s Notes

PSOW – Practical 2.2G Measuring Primary Productivity with Teacher’s Notes

PSOW – Practical 2.3A Systems Diagram of the Carbon Cycle with Teacher’s Notes