Nature Quest
Activity #2NATURE QUEST ACTIVITY
Biodiversity Action Plan
It’s important to know which habitats and wildlife are present in your school grounds, but it’s equally important to know what’s missing and how to help.
This activity is about creating a biodiversity action plan to increase the biodiversity and homes for nature on your school site.
N.B. Complete ‘Habitat Explorer’ Nature Quest before you do this activity.
Did you know each year, scientists discover around 5,000 to 10,000 new species in the world. Many of these new species are insects, but most of them have not yet been classified by the scientists. Who knows what you might find!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Habitat map of school site from Habitat
- Explorer Nature Quest
- Paper and pens
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
- Decide what habitats are missing.
- Write a plan of what you could create and how.
- Decide who will implement the plan and when.
ASSOCIATED GAME
Build a Nest
1. Discuss why birds build nest during the Spring. Where do they usually locate their nests? Explain what type of materials they generally use – twigs to build up the outside (the structure), soft materials and animal fur to line the nest (to protect the eggs and help keep them warm).
2. Explain that the children are going to work in pairs to build a nest but, to make this task more difficult, they can only use one hand (like a beak) to find and position materials in their chosen location.
3. Take a tour of the nests to decide which is most habitable and in the best location.
FOLLOW-ON ACTIVITY
How many new habitats can you create? Take a look at ‘supporting resources’ section of www.rspb.org.uk/teaching for simple instructions on how to create some habitats out of recycled materials.
Don’t forget to email or send us photos/drawings/writing to chirimutaronald@gmail.com or birds@zol.co.zw to demonstrate you’ve completed this activity.
