Ecosystems: Making Change

Activities can support learners to critically explore examples of action being taken to preserve specific species and ecosystems, such as breeding programmes, regeneration of habitats, reduction of deforestation and nature-based climate action. 

This is recommended as session four of the Key Stage Four Ecosystems Science Unit.

< 30 minutes
KS4

Preparation

Green Skills

  • Communication 
  • Environmental Stewardship

Step by step

Quick Starter Activity  

Ask your students to take a look at cards within this Nature Park Ideas for Improvement activity. Use these as a prompt to discuss what changes they have already seen in their local area and how they have positively impacted on biodiversity. 

Main Activity Suggestions   

Suggestion 1 (Indoor) 

Biointeractive: Resistance to Coral Bleaching. Students interpret data and share how climate change may affect reefs through coral bleaching, and how corals may cope with temperature changes.

Suggestion 2 (Indoor)

Amphibian Ark: The Vanishing Frog. Students find out about threats to amphibians, identify strategies to save them, and devise an action plan.

Suggestion 3 (Indoor) 

Dynamic Dunescapes Education Enquiry: Sand dune rejuvenation and natural dune dynamics. This resource supports students to understand current threats to sand dunes and explore how interventions can support the conservation of sand dune ecosystems.

Top Tips  

Sharing local and relatable examples of how action is being taken to protect species and ecosystems can support learners to feel able to make changes as well. 

This Amazing Plants Poster resource developed by SAPS can be used to share the important role plants play in mitigating the impacts of climate change. 

Taking part in the Nature Park process can allow learners to consider interventions to the school grounds that support local biodiversity. 

Curriculum links