6

The recent biodiversity assessments conducted by WWF and other contributing organizations revealed a 60% decline in populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptile species in the past 40 years. More than 1 million species are now threatened with extinction, and that number will only increase if we don’t change course now. In this activity, students will plot species population data and use observed trends to determine the probability of those species’ survival.

Using statistics from the Biodiversity Educator’s Resource Guide, students will deliver a mock newscast, informing audiences of the current state of our planet and the urgent need for individual as well as collective action. Students will conduct research on the decline of biodiversity, and on how attention-getting communication techniques can help shape their delivery of the information. Like any good news report, the presentation should reflect on why this news is important and how the viewers can get involved. Students will become advocates for restoring nature and biodiversity by using effective communication skills to spread a message among their peers.

Students will learn the difference between climate change in the past versus the change we see today using science-based evidence. They will explore examples of how human activities have majorly impacted the Earth and contributed to this change, understand the consequences of this change, and learn actions they can take in their everyday lives to help decrease the negative impact humans have on the environment.

Students will research sea level rise and use data and statistics they collect to create an infographic.

Guide your students to document the mental and physical health benefits that come from being outside.

Plants and green spaces make life livable on earth. Explore the connection between climate and ecosystems with your class.

Students will conduct an experiment to compare the decomposition of natural material in a landfill to a composting system. They will gain a general understanding of the benefits of composting and redirecting waste from a landfill.