We used a design-based research approach to develop “data-rich problem” (DRP) tasks intended to support middle and high school students in constructing knowledge about food webs and ecosystem dynamics, specifically the effects of species loss. The marine environment is used for context to promote an understanding of interdependent ecological relationships and the nonlinear and sustaining effects of loss of species. The Food Web DRP tasks we describe are designed for classroom implementation in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards. The intended time frame for implementation is five days (assuming 50-minute class periods).