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
Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear
A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson,...
Looking Out For Others
In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…
Ethics, Innovation and the Law
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...
More Community resources
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
Plastic Pollution (KS2)
Find out more about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Watch this introductory video and use our free...
More Health and Wellbeing resources
The Internet: a Power for Good
In this lesson pupils consider how the internet can be a power for good and support active citizenship. Pupils explore a range of case studies before being challenged to identify…
Cancer – Early Detection and Prevention
This lesson has been designed in response to the Big Vote, where children voted on what issues they most cared about. The vote was to mark the ten year anniversary…
How Do You Feel Today?
In this lesson pupils will read about Mitali and his concerns for his friend Anna, who appears to be withdrawn and unhappy. Pupils will consider what can make people feel…
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…
The Economy Quiz
In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz...
The G7 (Assembly Pack)
During this assembly pupils explore the history and function of the G7 and are introduced to the sort of discussions held at the annual G7 Summit. They learn about the…
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
Representation
Pupils consider the importance of equal representation through learning from the example of Marley Dias and her campaign for better representation of black girls in literature. To access this content,…
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…
Mock G7 Pack
The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...
More Sustainability and the Environment resources
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
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...
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…
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Social Media and the Law (KS3) (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of committing these offences. The…
Relationships and the Law
During this lesson pupils explore the concept of marriage and civil partnerships focusing on the fact that they are a legal commitment between two people and what this means. Pupils…
Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
COVID and the Economy
During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...
Democracy Ambassadors
What was Democracy Ambassadors? Between April 2018 and March 2019 Young Citizens worked with youth leaders to recruit 1,000...
Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
Voting and the General Election
This resource pack is the second of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...