Resource

Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change

Without biodiversity there would be no life on Earth. According to statistics released by the UN environment programme, we are experiencing a dangerous decline in biodiversity. Within the next 100 years up to half of the world’s species could be lost.

In this lesson students consider who is responsible for protecting biodiversity across the globe and explore what actions they can take to make their voices heard on this issue.

Overview

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what is causing its loss. They examine who has responsibility for minimising and preventing biodiversity loss, and explore how the rule of law can be used to tackle this. Finally, they will be introduced to key laws concerning biodiversity, and critically consider how the law can be applied in different scenarios.

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

  • Describe what is meant by the term biodiversity and why it is important;
  • Explore who is responsible for tackling biodiversity loss considering a range of different groups across society;
  • Explain how the law can play a part in protecting biodiversity;
  • Critically consider how the law could be used to instigate change;
  • Describe a change they would like to see implemented to tackle biodiversity loss, and/ or an action they can take to support biodiversity.

Acknowledgments:

This classroom resource was developed in partnership with and funded by the international law firm CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP.

We would like to thank the staff and pupils at Stanground Academy and Parliament Hill School for their input during the piloting of this resource.

 

Photo credit: Anne Jones

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Design a Community Centre

In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of a range of fictional characters and design a community centre and activity programme that matches their requirements.  …

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Debt?

Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Two Brothers

In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Egyptian legend which tells of the love and care which two brothers showed for each other. In discussion, pupils will…

More Community resources

Assemblies, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Taking Responsibility (assembly)

During this assembly pupils consider what the word responsibility means.    You can find the ‘Taking responsibility’ lesson plan on the KS1 lesson page. The PowerPoint for the lesson is the…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Looking Out For Others

In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Local and Central Government

This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

More Health and Wellbeing resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Rules: You Can’t Do That Here

In this lesson pupils will consider that some rules are made to keep people safe. They will follow the story of Callum, a Go-Giver who wants to find a place…

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for Pets

This lesson starts with a simple story that helps children to explore what responsibilities come with owning a pet. Children then go on to look at what happens when pets…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)

In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

COP: Climate Action

In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…

Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 2 – Negotiations

Through the example of Brexit talks, this lesson introduces pupils to the concept of negotiation and the skills required to succeed in negotiations. Activities are designed to give pupils the…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Protecting Local Habitats (KS2)

In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of habitats and explore endangered British species and the threats to their habitat. Pupils will be guided through ways in which…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock G7 Pack

The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...

More Sustainability and the Environment resources

Certificates, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for our World (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We are Part of a World-Wide Community. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Climate Change

Learners explore what climate change is and what is causing it.  They consider who is responsible for climate change:  individuals, politicians, businesses?  They are then challenged to think of a…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

World Female Ranger Day (KS1)

During this lesson pupils will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs…

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)

In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)

This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of murdering cabin boy Richard Parker, after being cast adrift on the…

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS5 (ages 16-18)

The Government and the Economy

By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)

This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Who Owns Your Data?

This ready-to-teach double lesson pack is aimed at students in key stages 4 and 5. During the course of...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

An Introduction to Human Rights

In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...