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
Homelessness
In this lesson pupils will think about what home means to them through writing a poem inspired by the line ‘Home is where the heart is’. They will consider the…
Conflict: Part 1 – Reacting to Conflict
In this lesson pupils will take part in discussions relating to situations of conflict. Pupils will consider actions which provoke conflict and actions which can help to calm conflict. They…
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 Community resources
Taking Responsibility
This lesson is based around the clever traditional poem about four children named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. It introduces children to the idea of taking responsibility in the context…
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
The Golden Statue
In this lesson pupils will read an adapted version of a Buddhist legend that encourages them to reflect on how the generosity with which a gift is given is more…
More Health and Wellbeing resources
Bouncing Back (certificate)
Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Bounce Back. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills and knowledge…
Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson introduces students to the concepts of their legal rights and responsibilities and explores how the law impacts their daily lives. Students explore the different ages that various laws…
Cyberbullying (SmartLaw Subscription)
According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…
More Politics and Democracy resources
All at Sea: a story about fairness and the rule of law
During this lesson pupils use the story ‘All at Sea’ to explore how a group of citizens should organise a new society under a challenging set of circumstances. Each chapter…
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…
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…
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
The Value of Trees
This lesson is one of a collection which examine environmental issues. In this lesson pupils will learn about the role trees play in supporting life on Earth and their importance…
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…
Plastic Pollution (KS1)
During this lesson children explore the environmental effects of plastic pollution by carrying out a number of experiments. They then go on to consider how they can take action against…
More Sustainability and the Environment resources
World Female Ranger Day (KS2 assembly)
During this assembly children 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 protecting…
Making a Difference From Home
Our packs support KS2 and KS3 pupils to plan and deliver their very own mini social action project. By...
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
Taking Responsibility
This lesson is based around the clever traditional poem about four children named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. It introduces children to the idea of taking responsibility in the context…
Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)
During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Be Your Own Councillor
Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...
An Introduction to Discrimination Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson looks at the history of anti-discrimination law, the different types of discrimination (i.e. direct and indirect discrimination) and how the law deals with discrimination. It can be delivered…
Learning About the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson gives students an introduction to the legal system in the UK. During the lesson students will examine the roles of the various professionals involved in the law and…
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...
Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change
In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
Bar Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos
Preparing for the Bar Mock Trial Competition? Watch these video explainers, demonstrations and expert tips on key aspects of criminal trials. To access this content, register for our Bar Mock…