Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Introducing Biodiversity and BioBlitz

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

7

Overview

​In this lesson, students prepare for BioBlitz by defining biodiversity and examining the characteristics of various plants and animals as examples of taxonomic groupings. A bioblitz is a short, intensive study of the biodiversity of an area. Students learn about the number of species identified globally in key taxa and use this information to make predictions about the biodiversity they may observe during their local bioblitz. 

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 7

    SC15.7.9

    Engage in argument to defend the effectiveness of a design solution that maintains biodiversity and ecosystem services (e.g., using scientific, economic, and social considerations regarding purifying water, recycling nutrients, preventing soil erosion).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.7.9

    Vocabulary

    • Evidence
    • Engineering design process
    • Design solution
    • Biodiversity
    • Ecosystem
    • Ecosystem service
    • Scientific argument
    • Criteria
    • Constraint
    • Economic considerations
    • Social considerations
    • Recycling nutrients
    • Soil Erosion
    • Water Purification

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Evidence about performance of the given design solution. Biodiversity describes the variety of species found in the earth's ecosystems.
    • The completeness of the biodiversity of an ecosystem is often used as a measure of health.
    • Changes in biodiversity can influence humans' resources and ecosystem services.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Identify and describe a given design solution for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
    • Identify and describe the additional evidence (in the form of data, information, or other appropriate forms) that is relevant to the problem, design solution, and evaluation of the solution.
    • Collaboratively define and describe criteria and constraints for the evaluation of the design solution.
    • Use scientific evidence to evaluate and critique a design solution.
    • Present oral or written arguments to support or refute the given design solution.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • There are processes for evaluating solutions with respect to how well they meet the criteria and constraints.

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Engaging in Argument from Evidence

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Stability and Change
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    National Geographic
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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