Search for Resources

Biodiversity Education Resources for ages 4 to 7

Elementary

Description

This resource introduces young learners to the concept that biodiversity includes all living things, from the smallest insects to the largest plants and trees. Students discover how nature works together, why it is important to protect the environment, and how their everyday choices can make a difference. Through simple, age-appropriate ideas, they are encouraged to care for nature both at home and at school.

Through a series of colourful, informative illustrations and engaging infographics students learn:

  • The definition of biodiversity - the variety of all living things (plants, animals, insects, and even microscopic life
  • Why biodiversity is important-providing essentials like food, clean air and water, materials, medicine, and overall well-being.
  • The human impacts of biodiversity -deforestation, pollution, climate change, and invasive species are harming biodiversity and causing some plants and animals to disappear
  • The consequences of biodiversity loss – species disappearing and the chain reaction it can create within ecosystems
  • Simple actions to help biodiversity at home and at school -caring for plants, respecting wildlife, reducing waste, and keeping the environment clean

The resource provides a link to The Protect Nature Challenge which encourages Canadians to take everyday actions that help protect biodiversity and nature. The website provides a list of 31 simple and easy to complete actions that schools can take part in to protect nature.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The resource supports science learning outcomes for grades K-2 and is age-appropriate for younger students. The engaging visual tools provide an excellent hook or introduction to the concept of biodiversity. To extend the learning, take students outside to observe biodiversity in the schoolyard or a nearby park. Students can list or sketch plants, insects, birds, and other animals they see and discuss how living things may depend on each other. Students can complete some of the suggested activities from the Protect Nature Challenge and take simple actions to help protect biodiversity

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science: Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
        • Science: Plants and animals have observable features
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Trees
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring Our World: Attitudes
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science: Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
        • Science: Plants and animals have observable features
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
        • Science 1: Plants and animals have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Primary Science: Living Things
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Needs of Living Things
  • Nunavut
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Units & Outcomes
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Needs & Characteristics of Living Things
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science: Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
        • Science: Plants and animals have observable features
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity
  • Invasive Species