Loss of Biodiversity

8-10 yrs old

11-13 yrs old

Geography

Math & Economics

Science

This loss of biodiversity can be directly related to how human beings currently behave on this planet. It is a phenomenon that can’t go unnoticed.

Submitted By: Minecraft Education

October 25, 2016

Lesson Plan
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Skills

Citizenship
Collaboration
Critical Thinking

External References

Types of Ecosystems

Extinction Crisis

Learning Objectives

Students will design and create Minecraft worlds illustrating a world where a typical terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem was disrupted due an extinction
Students will design and create Minecraft worlds illustrating the effects of the extinction of a species in the community where they live.
Students will analyze the concept of mass extinction and its effect on the future of the earth.

Guiding Ideas

Mini-Lesson (whole class)
Building Prior Knowledge
•    Prior to watching the video, divide students into groups of 2-3
•    Using student hand out (below) assign student groups one investigation question to present to the class
•    Watch:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY-ltUIsnrQ#t=48
•    Allow students to work in their groups and come up with an answer/response to their question.
•    Student groups share their discoveries with the class.

Class discussion:
o    After all groups have shared their questions and answers, discuss as an entire class. Record answers in a central location to be used for reference at the end of the lesson.
o    What are some ways we can convince people that they need to do something now because in 50 years the amount of different species we have will be cut in half if we don’t protect our earth?
o    Why do people possibly not want to face the idea of mass extinction?
o    Read the small article as a class prior to choosing Minecraft options: http://endangeredspecies.about.com/od/extinctionpastandpresent/a/Why-Does-It-Matter-If-Species-Go-Extinct.htm

Student Activities

Independent or cooperative group activity choices:

Option One:

Design and create a typical aquatic or terrestrial world ecosystem including plant and animal species.
Once the design is complete, take a screenshot and make specific changes to illustrate how the entire ecosystem would be affected by the extinction of one species.

Option Two:

Design and create a typical aquatic or terrestrial community ecosystem including plant and animal species.
Once the design is complete, take a screenshot and make specific changes to illustrate how the entire ecosystem would be affected by the extinction of one species.

Extension Activities:
•    Students connect their learning by identifying evidence of loss of biodiversity in the real world on either a local or global scale.
o    Compare/contrast Minecraft model to real-world example
o    Return to Minecraft world and make adjustments to their ecosystems
•    LA/SS – Participate in the middle school curriculum The Missing Species Project
o    Download curriculum: http://www.endangered.org/msr-educator-letter-and-curriculum/
o    Participate in a Schoolyard Habitat Program http://www.fws.gov/cno/conservation/schoolyard.html
•    Book Study Groups:
o    Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
o    Stake Out by Bonnie J. Doerr
o    Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
o    Extinction: The Day the World Ended by Lizzie Wilcock
•    ELA- Implement a “Every Day, Every Way” campaign with the class to design posters to put up around the school providing ideas of simple ways that students can contribute to environmental ecosystem sustainability by doing things in school and the community. Students could create pledge cards and set up tables at lunch to promote personal commitments by students. Cards could be posted in the foyer/lobby of the school or throughout the school by the posters. In addition, students could create PSA’s (Public Service Announcements) for their posters and upload to Docs.com so they can make QR codes that are glued to each poster. Students could use Twitter throughout the week of their campaign to bring awareness to the loss of biodiversity in the world and include the hashtag #everydayeveryway.

Performance Expectations

Evidence of Learning
• Screenshots or screencast of either the world or community ecosystems demonstrating the aquatic or terrestrial features.
• Screenshots or screencast of the ecosystem chosen and the specific changes seen and/or experienced based on the extinction of one species.