The Library will be closed Tuesday, May 19, 2026 for Staff Development Day.
NeiSci Curriculum: Exploring Biodiversity
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
Print
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
Print
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
Print
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.