Objectives:

This program offers students the opportunity to

• help solve a real-life problem in biodiversity conservation
• analyze environmental perspectives and acquire scientific knowledge
• engage in a truly democratic process and to learn how to do that appropriately (study-learn-decide-vote process)
• learn skills in leadership (small group processes, as well as class presentations, and especially in fundraising efforts outside of the immediate learning environment)

Materials:

• internet connection
• computers/laptops/tablets (one per pair of students)
• the game Jenga (or something similar)
• optional: cameras/smartphones

Lesson Plan:

Unit 1: The Sixth Extinction (2–3 lessons)

Part A: The Five Past Extinctions

Part B: The Sixth Extinction

Unit 2: Biodiversity (3–5 lessons)

Part A: Introduction to the Concept of Species Diversity

Part B: The Importance of Preserving Biodiversity

Part C: Why Should I Protect Nature?

Part D: Some Areas Are More Valuable Than Others

Unit 3: What Is an Endangered Species? (1 lesson)

Unit 4: Engaging Students in Real-life Conservation Decisions (4–6 lessons)

Each lesson has its own procedure detailed in the full curriculum guide. Activities include class discussions, group presentations, research, and an outdoor inventory of local species.