Biodiversity: The Spice of Life (Module 1)

Backyard Biodiversity and Beyond

Question	Response
To enhance this resource the following changes would be beneficial:	Inspire students to keep a nature journal (e.g. See: http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/journals/smithsonian_siyc_fall06.pdf)

Principle	Rating	Explanation
Consideration of Alternative Perspectives	Good	All assertions are widely accepted as general knowledge.
Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions	Good	A variety of different dimensions can be addressed through the suggested activities. It will be up to the teacher and students to determine the depths to which the learning exploration will go.
Respects Complexity	Very Good	The approach is almost an action-research approach that immerses the student.
Acting on Learning	Good	The action experience grows out of the lesson. They are often simple actions that are intended to change the students' attitudes and behaviours, as well as their connection to nature. Though changing communities is not a part of this module, it could be a result of individual changes. Think Tolstoy: "...everyone thinks of changing the world but nobody thinks of changing himself..."
Values Education	Good	Students write poetry and draw nature.
Empathy & Respect for Humans	Poor/Not considered	Not an aspect of the resource.
Personal Affinity with Earth	Good
Locally-Focused Learning	Very Good	From a B.C./West Coast perspective, the legend and artist components help to ground this unit in our location.
Past, Present & Future	Good	The focus of this module is on the past and present, however, the other modules in the resource would likely shift the focus on the future.

Pedagogical Approaches

Principle	Rating	Explanation
Open-Ended Instruction	Good	The lessons utilize coupled inquiry - a combination of guided and open inquiry
Integrated Learning	Very Good	Lessons are multidisciplinary.
Inquiry Learning	Satisfactory	More construction/co-construction is needed to ensure that knowledge building takes place.
Differentiated Instruction	Good	There is opportunity for cognitive and affective learning. Learning styles, and personal strengths come into play.
Experiential Learning	Very Good
Cooperative Learning	Poor/Not considered	Students could work in peer groups to complete some of the activities, however, the suggestions are worded as if the activities are for individuals.
Assessment & Evaluation	Good	Reflective opportunities are integral to some of the ideas, but no formal self-assessment is provided.
Peer Teaching	Satisfactory	Students present their learning.
Case Studies	Very Good	Case studies are local to B.C.
Locus of Control	Good	Choice is a part of every action experience.

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Saskatchewan
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Yukon Territory
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    - Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.
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    - Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking
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    - Arts Education: Dance, drama, music, and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating
    - Arts Education: Engaging in the arts develops people’s ability to understand and express complex ideas
    - Arts Education: Through art making, one’s sense of identity and community continually evolves.
  - English/Language Arts
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    - Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
    - Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
- Grade 8
  - Step 3Select a subject
  - Arts
    - Step 4Relevant matches
    - Arts Education: Artists often challenge the status quo and open us to new perspectives and experiences.
    - Arts Education: Dance, drama, music, and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating.
    - Arts Education: Individual and collective expression can be achieved through the arts.
  - English/Language Arts
    - Step 4Relevant matches
    - Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
    - Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.

Exemplary
Classroom
Resources

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Biodiversity: The Spice of Life (Module 1)

Backyard Biodiversity and Beyond

Print this review

Description

General Assessment

Sustainability Education Principles

Pedagogical Approaches

Relevant Curriculum Units

ExemplaryClassroom Resources

Reviewed By Teachers For Teachers

Biodiversity: The Spice of Life (Module 1)

Backyard Biodiversity and Beyond

Print this review

Description

General Assessment

Sustainability Education Principles

Pedagogical Approaches

Relevant Curriculum Units

Exemplary
Classroom
Resources

Reviewed By Teachers
For Teachers