Educational Resources
Ontario-based lesson plans give you the knowledge to meet curriculum standards and make biodiversity relevant to your students.
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Invasion of the Zebra MusselsThe harm caused by invasive species is now the second leading threat to global biodiversity. Students will examine and analyze a real data set of zebra mussel densities, calculate hypothetical growth and filtration rates, and research control methods.
Grade: 12 Biology, Population Dynamics Curriculum Links: F2.2, F3.3, F3.5 Key Words: zebra mussels, exponential growth, carrying capacity, population models Ontario's Backyard BirdsBirds are a logical starting point when introducing children to Ontario’s biodiversity. In this activity: students explore bird classification, use the free Cornell Lab Merlin Bird ID app, assess biodiversity in different habitats, design bird feeders to appeal to a specific species, and participate in a citizen science program.
Grades: 4 Habitats and Communities, 6 Biodiversity Curriculum Links: Grade 4 (1.1, 3.7), Grade 6 (2.2, 3.1) Key Words: bird, classification, habitats, biodiversity, citizen science, community science technology What Size Footprint Are You Leaving on the Earth?
A typical Canadian’s resource consumption is far above what the Earth can sustain. In this activity: students calculate their ecological footprint, explore their data and compare it to the class average, examine the importance of metaphors, and hold a class debate on issues of responsibility and sustainability.
Grade: 9 Issues in Canadian Geography Curriculum Links: Academic (C1.4), Applied (A1.4, E1.1) Key Words: ecological footprint, sustainability, biocapacity, responsibility, debate |
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Let's ID That Tree!Ontario is a province with approximately 85 billion individual trees representing over 140 species. In this activity: students explore tree anatomy and classification and use the free Pl@ntNet, assess native and non-native trees in their local community, and plant some native trees.
Grades: 3 Growth and Change in Plants, 4 Habitats and Communities Curriculum Links: Grade 3 (1.1, 2.2, 3.6), Grade 4 (1.1, 3.1) Key Words: tree, diversity, classification, technology, native vs non-native species Watersheds: We Are All Connected
Bounded by three oceans, Canada has the longest ocean coastline in the world. In this activity: students create a model watershed and discover how activities at one location impact areas downstream, experiment with cleaning up contaminated water, and explore local initiatives to reduce water pollution entering their watershed.
Grades: 6 Biodiversity, 7 Interactions in the Environment, 8 Water Systems Curriculum Links: Grade 6 (1.1), Grade 7 (3.8), Grade 8 (2.2, 2.4, 3.2) Keywords: Watershed, Ocean, Point source, Non-point source, Pollution, Contamination |
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Big Shark, Big Loss, Big Impact
Large predatory fish populations have plummeted over 90% in the last decade. In this activity: students simulate marine food webs and discover what happens when humans reduce the shark population. Through collecting, analyzing, and graphing the data, students will explore the role of sharks and humans in maintaining ocean food webs.
Grades: 4 Habitats and Communities, 4 Data Literacy, 6 Biodiversity, 6 Data Literacy, 7 Interactions in the Environment, 7 Data Literacy Curriculum Links: Grade 4 science (1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.6) Grade 4 math (D1.3), Grade 6 science (3.4, 3.5), Grade 6 math (D1.3), Grade 7 science (3.4, 3.5, 3.7), Grade 7 math (D1.3) Keywords: food chain, simulation game, graphing, data analysis, sustainability |
