Biodiversity and extinction
Biodiversity matters for a whole variety of reasons: ethically, emotionally, environmentally and economically. It is at the very foundation of our society and the basis of our economic success and wellbeing. - Natural England
The list provides a range of activities, lesson ideas, film clips, careers resources, background information, practical tips and suggested teaching strategies. At Key Stage Three, students should learn about:
- the importance of maintaining biodiversity and the use of gene banks to preserve hereditary material
- how changes in the environment may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete successfully and reproduce, which in turn may lead to extinction.
The resources in this list offer a range of suggestions for exploring biodiversity, the effects of human activity and extinction, so that you can choose the style of activities that will most suit your class.
Visit the secondary science webpage to access all lists: https://www.stem.org.uk/secondary-science
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Endangered Species Bingo (Age 11 to 14)
A presentation describes what is meant by an endangered species and leads into work using the ARKive web site. The ideas in the presentation are reinforced using the bingo game. The 'caller' has a set of cards, each illustrating an endangered species. The players have game cards containing images of the endangered species.
Exploring the World's Biodiversity *suitable for home teaching*
This activity spans two lessons with a homework task in between. Students look at the definitions of biodiversity, species, habitats, ecosystems and the relationships between them. They then research and produce a presentation on an endangered species, giving a clear case for one species to be saved from the brink of extinction.
Biodiversity Hospital
This is a very popular resource where students work in medical teams and balance competing priorities for the conservation of an endangered species to devise a ‘treatment’ plan. Students learn the importance of biodiversity and species conservation, the fine balance of the ecosystem and how to measure competing priorities.
The Story of Extinction
This two and a half minute film clip makes a thought-provoking introduction to a lesson on the impact of human activity on biodiversity and how we are causing the extinction of so many species. The clip ends with a question which asks children to find out why certain species have become endangered. You could use this to introduce the activity above.
Human Impact on the Environment (Age 11 to 14) *suitable for home teaching*
This presentation and activity are designed to teach students aged 11-14 about the concept of human impacts on the environment. The presentation explains how human impacts can directly affect species survival, using plastic waste as an example. The activities then encourage students to consider how the impact of plastic waste could be measured, why measuring our impact on the environment is important and how the impact can be reduced.