Exploring Environmental Issues: Biodiversity
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In this Project Learning Tree high school module, students learn that decisions about growth and development, energy use and water quality, and even human health, all rest to some extent on perspectives about biodiversity. Educators and students step back from biodiversity issues and specific species to examine broader concepts and larger connections—not just biological, but political, cultural, ethical, and economic as well.
Reviews
“The global invaders section of the biodiversity module is great! Some valuable, interdisciplinary concepts [are there] to convey ideas to secondary students that shouldn’t wait until college.” – Dr. Nita Davidson, California Department of Pesticide Regulation
“Really good development of biodiversity concepts and promotion of living sustainable lifestyles.” – David Moore, California Department of Fish and Game
Global Invaders
Students research invasive species in the United States and then investigate the presence and effects of invasive species in their own community.
Potatoes, Pesticides, and Biodiversity
Students develop an understanding of some of the costs and benefits of using pesticides and of how those products affect biodiversity. They also research pesticides and learn about alternatives to the reliance on pesticides for growing potatoes.
Protected Areas: Issues and Analysis
By analyzing case studies and describing some of the challenges and conflicts, students learn about the importance to biodiversity of protected areas.
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