Bringing Data to Life with Hands-on Science (K-12)

The concept of species diversity, or “Biodiversity”, is often represented in textbooks and videos with examples of species from faraway places. It can be difficult for students to grasp the potential variety and abundance of plants and animals, or lack thereof, through images of species they aren’t familiar with. Give students the opportunity to explore the concept of biodiversity in a tangible, local environment – their own schoolyard! Examine tools and strategies that allow students to contextualize the process of collecting and analyzing local plant and animal data, as well as solidify the notion that science and mathematics are intricately related. Whether your school yard is made of cement and grass or includes a diverse forest, being involved in this hands-on Biodiversity Challenge will allow for you and your students to look at real data through a critical lens and co-construct locally relevant scientific meaning. Examples will include resources and modifications for a wide variety of grade levels.