Explore Nature on International Biodiversity Day
Learn about five Nature Lab virtual field trips to connect young people to habitats from across the globe—and inspire them to help protect plants, animals and communities.
By Ximena Marquez
International Biodiversity Day (May 22) is a perfect opportunity to engage young learners in the wonders of the natural world, including diverse wildlife and their habitats and to inspire them to help protect plants, animals and communities. The following five virtual field trips from The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Lab will transport students beyond classroom walls to oceans and coastlines, farm fields and snowy mountain tops across the globe. Accompanying learning guides offer opportunities to confront some of the challenges facing the planet and discover steps we can all take to sustain and support biodiversity.
Destination No. 1: Alpine Peaks
At the first stop on this virtual journey, students will travel to the world’s highest peaks to learn how these incredible ecosystems—and the flora and fauna that live there—are being affected by climate change. The lesson also focuses on wildfires, from their role in keeping nature healthy to how climate change is shifting their patterns, and what we can do to protect wild places for the future.
Destination No. 2: Productive Farmlands
Next, students will visit some of the world’s most productive farmlands to learn how regenerative agriculture can help protect and restore nature, which will benefit biodiversity and also mitigate climate change. Farmers and scientists show how, together, we can turn one of today's biggest challenges into our greatest opportunity: a food system that goes beyond sustainability and creates positive growth for communities and the planet.
Destination No.3: Scenic Coastlines
Here, students get a glimpse of New Jersey’s scenic coastlines and marshes, where formerly endangered ospreys now nest and raise their young. The guide provides an in-depth case study of these majestic birds, from their physical characteristics, behavior and life history, to the threats that decimated their populations, to the intentional conservation efforts that brought them from surviving to thriving.
Destination No. 4: Under the Sea
In this next field trip, we go deeper into how climate change is affecting the ocean and all it provides for people: from food to energy to transportation. Get an up-close look at how habitat restoration can protect coastlines and restorative aquaculture can support seafood sustainability and healthy coastal ecosystems. A future where people and oceans thrive together is possible if we take the right steps.
Destination No. 5: Your Own Backyard!
The next virtual field trip can happen in a nearby park, natural area or backyard! Learn about the power of citizen science and how it helps researchers restore and protect natural areas and gauge the success of restoration efforts. And students will find out how they can get involved, from monitoring the recovery of native habitats to recording data on rare species of wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife.
Ximena Marquez is associate director for education at The Nature Conservancy.
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This Earth Day and Arbor Day, use these engaging preK-12 lesson plans, activities and resources to celebrate and teach your students how they can take action in their community to create a healthier planet.
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The Nature Conservancy and its 550 scientists have created Nature Lab to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep nature running strong. Nature Lab gives teachers, students and families everything they need to start exploring and understanding... See More
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