NeiSci Curriculum: Exploring Biodiversity

Exploring Biodiversity logo

Lessons

Lessons are short moments of NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) aligned direct instruction in the format of either video or slides that inform participants of the knowledge necessary to participate in Citizen Science activities.

Activities

Activities frame the moments of Citizen Science participation through hands-on exploration and creation, which includes the activity of using the Neighborhood Science kits to collect data.


What Is Biodiversity?

10 minute lesson

Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity is a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level.

Video

Slides

What is Biodiversity slide deck cover

Print

What is Biodiversity activity sheet cover

Illustrating Ecosystems

30 minute activity

Ecosystems are complex networks of interacting organisms and their physical environment. To understand these communities, we will draw diagrams of these multiple interactions overlapping.

Video

Slides

Illustrating Ecosystems slide deck cover

Print

Illustrating Ecosystems activity sheet cover

How Do We Study Biodiversity?

50 minute activity

To study biodiversity, we must be able to accurately recognize and define the species of an ecosystem. In this activity, we will use the Neighborhood Science kit Exploring Biodiversity to spot and record the presence of species.

Video

Slides

Studying Biodiversity slide deck cover

Print

Studying Biodiversity activity sheet cover

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

20 minute lesson

Humans impact biodiversity on many levels. It is important to recognize these effects and work to minimize them to ensure a sustainable future for the world's species.

Video

Slides

Human Impact slide deck cover

Print

Human Impact activity sheet cover


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