Biodiversity and Species Resilience Middle School Lesson – Importance for Species and Ecosystems

This life science lesson looks at why biodiversity is so important for species and communities with a focus on species and community resilience in the face of changing circumstances. It uses the example of the peppered moth and multiple pollinating species as case studies. It concludes by examining the importance of species biodiversity for human well-being as well as current threats to biodiversity and the steps we can take to help protect it. This lesson is intended for students in grades 6-8.

Specifically it covers the Ontario Biodiversity Unit B2.3 and B2.4

'Describe ways in which biodiversity within species is essential for their survival' and 'Describe ways in which biodiversity within and among communities is essential for maintaining the resilience of these communities.'

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain why biodiversity within species is crucial for survival.
2. Describe how biodiversity within communities supports resilience.
3. Understand the importance of biodiversity among communities.

This package includes the lesson (student and teacher versions of the presentation), TWO embedded videos, a 4-Question Exit Ticket on Google Forms, and a student lesson handout as a document. The presentation is fun and applicable with many opportunities for inquiry-based learning and discussion.

In order, the lesson covers:

• Why Biodiversity is Important
• Importance of Biodiversity Within Species
• Case Study – Peppered Moths
• Importance of Biodiversity within Communities
• Resilience and Biodiversity
• Importance of Biodiversity Among Communities
• Biodiversity and Human Well-being
• Threats to Biodiversity
• Protecting Biodiversity

Included in the lesson package is:

• The teacher version of the presentation
• The student version of the presentation
• TWO embedded videos
• 4-Question Exit Ticket
• Student lesson handout

Google and Distance Learning Ready

• This lesson includes both Office and Google formats for ALL resources. The presentation is in PowerPoint and Google Slides while all documents contain Word and Google Doc versions.
• Your resource is perfect for distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom as I've included a link that will automatically create a copy of the resources and put them directly into your Google Drive with one click.
• Purchase --> Open --> Click --> Assign to your students

Having both options allows you to use either without worrying about formatting issues as all the work has already been done for you. It safeguards you in case your department or school decides to go Google 100% and allows you as well as your students to access everything no matter where you are or what kind of equipment is being used.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.

Also, please visit my blog Teach With Fergy for my thoughts on teaching, learning, and everything in between.