Contextualization
Biodiversity, from the Greek "bios", which means life, and "diversité", which means diversity, refers to the variety of life on our planet. It can be considered at various levels, from individual genes and particular species to global landscapes, each level interrelated with the other. Biodiversity is the defining characteristic of life on Earth, allowing the existence of diverse ecosystems with numerous types of organisms that interact in a complex way.
We have a fascinating variety of life forms on Earth, from the giant redwoods that reach heights exceeding 100 meters, to the tiny bacteria that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Biodiversity allows each organism to play its unique role in the ecosystem, contributing to its health, resilience, and productivity.
Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and, in turn, for the survival of species, including humans. Ecosystem services, such as water purification, waste decomposition, plant pollination, climate moderation, among others, are directly dependent on biodiversity.
We live in a world rich in biodiversity, but this richness is under threat. Human activities have caused mass extinctions, loss of natural habitats, and climate changes, threatening biodiversity on an unprecedented scale in the history of our planet. Therefore, a deep understanding of this issue is essential, as well as the appreciation and conservation of biodiversity.
The resources below are great starting points to deepen your knowledge about biodiversity:
Practical Activity: Exploring Biodiversity
Project Objective
This project aims to investigate and understand biodiversity, the main threats to it, and possible solutions for its preservation. In addition, the project seeks to promote collaboration and creativity among students, and to instigate critical thinking about environmental issues.
Project Description
Students, in groups of 3 to 5, should choose an ecosystem from their region or of interest to investigate its biodiversity. Then, they must conduct research and collect information about the diversity of species present, the main threats they face, and the proposed solutions for conservation.
The project will involve disciplines such as Geography (to understand the location and physical characteristics of the ecosystem) and Science (to understand biodiversity and its ecological implications). It should last at least twelve hours per participating student.
Necessary Materials
- Computer with internet access for research.
- Notebook to take notes on the researched data.
- Camera or smartphone to take pictures (optional).
- Pencil and eraser.
Step by Step
- Start by choosing an ecosystem for your group to investigate. It can be a local ecosystem or one of greater interest to the group.
- Research the biodiversity of this ecosystem. What are the main species that live there? How do they interact?
- Research the main threats these species face. Are they at risk of extinction? What are the causes?
- Look for solutions that are being proposed or implemented to protect these species and preserve the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Think of creative solutions that have not yet been proposed.
- Prepare a report addressing all these topics. The report should have an introduction (contextualizing the theme and the project's objective), a development (with the theory, description of the activity, methodology used, and discussion of the results), and a conclusion. Also include a bibliography with all consulted sources.
Project Deliverables
Students must deliver the complete project, including:
- The final report, with all the mentioned topics clearly developed and well explained. This report should be written by the students, based on the activities carried out and the research conducted.
- Images, drawings, or photos that illustrate the report and the activities carried out, if applicable.
- An oral presentation to the class about what they learned during the project.
The deliveries should reflect teamwork and collaboration among group members, as well as the understanding and learning obtained throughout the project.
