Unit Plan

Schoolyard Biodiversity Investigation Educator Guide

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This Schoolyard Biodiversity Investigation Educator Guide unit plan also includes:

In 1980, in the tropical rainforests of Panama, scientists discovered 1,200 species of beetles living in and around just 19 trees, with most of the species new to science—that's biodiversity! In the activity, learners work in teams to assess biodiversity on their campus. Scholars map their campus, divide map into plots and then assess both vegetation and animal biodiversity within the plots using a survey. They then calculate a diversity index and discuss with the class.  

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CCSS: Adaptable
NGSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Place learners in teams and keep them in the same teams for the duration of all activities
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires an area outside to create maps
  • Teacher may want to pre-set up plots outdoors for the third
  • Includes five activities; depending upon classes and which activities teachers use, duration may range from two to five days
Pros
  • Includes step-by-step teacher instructions and pupil worksheets
Cons
  • None
Common Core
NGSS