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
Citizenship: a privilege or a right?
Students research what the law says about the rights of individuals to become UK citizens and critically examine whether...
Migration of People
To help you engage your students in the topic of migration Young Citizens have developed a flexible teaching resource...
What is Democracy?
This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
More Community resources
What is a Citizen?
In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society. The lesson opens with the traditional tale…
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Discrimination
In this lesson pupils will develop their understanding of the term ‘discrimination’. Pupils will consider what makes them unique and learn which characteristics are protected under the Equality Act. Pupils…
More Health and Wellbeing resources
Conflict: Part 1 – Reacting to Conflict
In this lesson pupils will take part in discussions relating to situations of conflict. Pupils will consider actions which provoke conflict and actions which can help to calm conflict. They…
Caring for Pets (Assembly)
Through the story of ‘Tigger the football loving rabbit’ this assembly addresses children’s responsibilities towards pets and the happiness they can derive from relationships with animals. To access this content,…
More Politics and Democracy resources
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…
What is Democracy?
This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Controversial issues: guidance for schools
Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
Caring for our Communities
In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…
The Selfish Little Red Hen
In this lesson pupils will read and discuss the tale of the Selfish Little Red Hen who does not offer her friend any help as she prepares for a party.…
Pollution: Expedition to Planet Blueball
This lesson explores the issues of pollution of our planet and sustainable power. It is based around an animated story, involving the Go-Givers characters, in which creatures from a friendly…
More Sustainability and the Environment resources
COP: Climate Action
In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…
How Should We Farm?
In this lesson pupils will learn about different farming methods. They will consider the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and learn how to identify labels that indicate how food…
Controversial issues: guidance for schools
Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of...
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…
Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...
Fake News: The Evolution of Media
In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.