CBC Archives

Divide the class into groups of three or four. Have each group list what they know about biodiversity and present their collective knowledge on a graffiti poster. The graffiti can be words, sentences, sketches, graphs, poems, songs, numbers, and so on. Post their work around the classroom.

Direct students to the topic Endangered Species in Canada on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site and have them view Clips #1 and 4. As they view, they should note any unfamiliar terms they hear and look them up in a dictionary.

Working alone, students will answer the following questions. They can consult the following Web sites for information:

http://www.canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/index.htm

http://palmm.fcla.edu/lfnh/currmat/Biodiversityinfo.html

http://www.yptenc.org.uk/docs/factsheets/env_facts/biodiversity.html

http://www.offwell.free-online.co.uk/biodvy2.htm

Define “biodiversity” and describe the importance of biodiversity to the ecosystem. Touch on different types of biodiversity, such as genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Describe the known causes of the loss of biodiversity.

Describe one technique for protecting biodiversity. How is it applied? Why is it effective?

In groups of three or four, students will share their information and summarize it in chart form. When they are done, have them look back at the graffiti poster gallery and reflect on what they have learned. Have them record their insights in their journals or notebooks.

Ask: What can a person do to protect biodiversity? Have students interview activists, zoo employees, professors, horticulturalists, farmers, and so on, and share what they learn with the rest of the class.