Getting started

Review this part of the previous activities:

1. School ground biodiversity

2. Future school ground

Write on the board the students’ vision statement for the school ground.

See what other schools are doing by exploring a case studyhere.

Where and what

Students can consider what can be done in the school ground.

What (can be done): Things that can improve school ground biodiversity include:

Planting new habitats such as forests, native grasslands, wildlife corridors, shade tree planting, etc.
Providing protection for wildlife
Maintaining old biodiversity projects
Replacing dead plants in old biodiversity projects
Improving or extending old biodiversity projects
Removing weeds
Reducing litter and preventing animals from eating scraps
Providing water
Improving soil with mulch
Installing nest boxes
Reducing trampling in sensitive areas
Reducing stray cats
Reducing the area of introduced plants including lawn.

Where: Location needs to be matched to where it can be done. A school ground has a range of land uses. There will be buildings, paved areas, drainage, sports fields, play areas and lunch areas. Some places can’t be touched and must remain the same.

A place for having lunch and some play areas can still be used for lunch and play and be planted to increase biodiversity.

A car park still needs to have space for cars, but the edges can have trees that will shade the cars on hot days and provide habitat for many animals.

Does the school have sports fields? A sports field with a border of thick shrubs will reduce the wind and make it easier to play sport.

Garden beds with indigenous plants will attract animals that can be seen from the classroom during lesson time.

Divide the school into areas so students can plan a biodiversity project for the area. Use a map and divide the class so that each area has a group investigating it.

Planning task

1. Each group investigates their designated area. They:

Explain how the area is currently being used.
Identify locations in the area that might be available for a biodiversity project.
Provide a convincing argument as to why a biodiversity project will not affect what is currently going on in the area. If possible, provide reasons why it can improve what is happening in the area.
Suggest the kind of biodiversity projects that will enhance the area.

2. Decide what kind of biodiversity project is appropriate for their area.

3. Complete the background research for doing the project. These questions are found in the student worksheet:

What area in the school ground is involved?
Describe the project. How will the area change?
What do you already know about how the project would be completed?
What do you still need to find out? Where will you find help? Do you need to contact an expert?

4. Draw your plan:

Make a map of the area as it looks now. This could be supported by a photo.
Make a fresh map of what it will look like after the project is completed.
Describe how the area is to be prepared:

Weeds removed
Old plants removed
Soil broken up
Adult sprays weeds

What is needed to do the project:

What kind of tools?
Is much needed?
Timber for building bird boxes
Plants

What tasks will students do?
How will students complete the tasks?
How will students remain safe?
Is money needed to buy supplies?

Present

Each group presents and displays their plans.

Enhancing School Ground Biodiversity

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