The Big Picture on Biodiversity and Climate Change

An Environmental Education Program for Secondary Science Students

Secondary

Description

 

Biodiversity is currently under threat from climate change conditions on planet Earth. In earlier times, ecosystems and their component species have had the flexibility to adapt their ranges to suit a changing climate. In the present, the adaptability of ecosystems is challenged by the speed of the change, habitat loss, and fragmentation all caused by human activities.  Individual actions can make a difference. The Biodiversity and Climate Change Outdoor Education program is a highly experiential learning resource that provides ideas and support  for students to take action.

 

Program elements include:

• Exploring and sharing how students and others value, use and impact local ecosystems.  Students view an on-line video and discuss the issues raised.

• Examining connections between biodiversity, climate change, and human health and well-being. Students participate in a game and an Envirothon-type activity

• Enjoying a local ecosystem in a low-impact manner. Students visit a local ecosystem.

• Taking seasonally appropriate action to mitigate against these impacts. Students build nesting boxes and/or remove invasive species from a local ecosystem.

• Connecting international conventions to individual action, and individual action to international impact.

 

Both pre and post-program educator resource materials have been provided.

 

 

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General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units