Activity Introduction
Quick summary: This activity can be amended to suit all year levels as the aim is to build an understanding of the word ‘biodiversity’. Students will begin to understand the concept of biodiversity and explore why there is poor public understanding of the word. They use the digital learning tool Wordle to create a word cloud that demonstrates their understanding.
Following this lesson is an ideal way for students to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your students will join thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.
Learning goals:
- Students understand the complexity of the concept – ‘biodiversity’.
- Students investigate and research real world concepts of biodiversity.
- Students understand that biodiversity in its simplest form is the variety of life on Earth.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Literacy.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2, OI.5.
Australian Curriculum content description: As this activity is intended to adapt for a range of year levels, no explicit links have been provided.
Topic: Schools Tree Day, Biodiversity.
Year levels: All
Time required: up to 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Facilitate students in sharing their ideas about biodiversity.
Resources required: Writing material, internet access, computers, Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Homework and extension opportunities: None.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
