Why Preserve Biodiversity?

People take different approaches when making the case for preserving biodiversity . Some argue that biodiversity is important to ensure access to new medications, while others emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for recreational purposes such as fishing or camping. Of course, many people use more than one argument when calling for biodiversity protection. Students will discuss the importance of maintaining ecosystems and will learn about the various arguments that people make in favor of preserving the Earth's biodiversity.

Weblink address (URL): 
Why Preserve Biodiversity?

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will

  • view photos of endangered species on the Internet and discuss the reasons why these animals are threatened and why they should be protected;
  • use the words "biodiversity," "ecosystem," and "extinction" in sentences to demonstrate their understanding of the words' meanings;
  • explain why all members of an ecosystem are important;
  • list the reasons why biodiversity should be preserved;
  • read Internet articles and take notes on various arguments in favor of preserving biodiversity; and
  • write essays in which they explain what they feel are the most compelling reasons for preserving biodiversity and also describe the arguments they think would be most likely to convince the general public that biodiversity should be preserved.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Have students write letters to the director of the World Wildlife Fund or another conservation organization in which they recommend the angle they think that organization should take when trying to convince the public to support biodiversity protection. Which of the five pro-biodiversity arguments do they think would be the most productive and convincing, and why? They can suggest that the organization use all five arguments, just one, or a few. 

 

Have students search the Internet or print materials to find examples of conservation programs. Ask each student to choose one program. Ask the students to write paragraphs explaining how the success of this program would help address the economic, recreational, human health, human rights, and spiritual/intrinsic value arguments in favor of biodiversity. For example, how might the success of this conservation program help indigenous people?

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

  • Computer with Internet access
  • Notebook
  • Writing materials

References

Contributors: 
Frances Hamilton
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation