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John Muir: biodiversity
Subject area: Sciences, social studies
Experiences and outcomes: SCN 2-01a, SCN 2-02a, SOC 2-08a
The aim of this lesson is for your pupils to find out about biodiversity and food chains by playing a board game created by The Woodland Trust as part of their Nature Detectives programme of activities. The game teaches you how to complete the food chains in the correct order.
Before you begin, ask your class to look through the John Muir graphic novel and read the section The Mountains Are Calling Me, up to page 81.
Print the Ancient Tree Game board, counters and instructions.
Pupils should note down everything they find out about biodiversity and food chains on the Biodiversity worksheet.
The Biodiversity worksheet includes information about the Eco Schools Green Flag Award. Ask your pupils to read about and discuss this award and then present their findings about biodiversity to your school’s Eco-Schools committee representative.
Reflecting on learning
Had learners considered how:
- Everything is connected through ecosystems and food chains and that if there is a break in the chain it can affect those higher up and lower down the chain?
- They can help protect ecosystems by getting involved in Eco-Schools programmes and conservation activities?
Learners can:
- Explain what biodiversity means and why it is important
- Take part in biodiversity surveys
- Contribute to the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
Useful resources
Eco-Schools
If your school does not have an Eco-Schools committee already, it's easy to set one up! One of the requirements to become an eco-school is to explore biodiversity in your locality, so the work carried out by your pupils as an activity linked to the John Muir graphic novel can also contribute to this award. Discuss this idea with your class and apply on their behalf if you have a group who agree that they would like to take things forward.
Ultimately by taking part in Eco-Schools your school could be awarded a Green Flag.
(this link will open in a new window)Find out about eco schools