At-home education resources from Learning for a Sustainable Future
Welcome to Week 8!
This week in Learning Inside Out we're focusing on biodiversity. Biodiversity is you, me, and every other living thing on Earth.

But more than the individual insects, birds, animals, plants, and trees, biodiversity is about the connections between us all. What happens to one form of life on Earth affects the others too. Without biodiversity we wouldn't have food to eat, medicines to keep us healthy, a stable climate, or natural spaces to enjoy.

The biggest threat to biodiversity is human beings. But we can also be the solution! Use the activities below to celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity (May 22) and learn more about the amazing life on our planet!
About Learning Inside Out

Below you will find a selection of activities, broken down by various grade levels. These guides will be released weekly and archived on our Learning Inside Out page , so you can always access the full catalogue.

All activities have been modified from resources on our R4R database, simplified and adapted for at-home learning as needed. The activity descriptions below should contain all the information and links that you need!

If you'd like to view the full original resource on R4R, including curriculum connections for every province/territory, click the activity title.

We want this guide to work for you, so your feedback is invaluable to us.
Use the feedback button at the bottom of this guide, or email us at info@LSF-LST.ca .

Step Outside™ Nature Activities
Week 8: International Day for Biological Diversity
May 22nd (this upcoming Friday, in case you've lost track of your dates!) is recognized around the world as the International Day for Biodiversity . In 1993 the United Nations proclaimed this annual celebration to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to encourage the protection of all species. This year’s theme, “Our Solutions are in Nature,” underscores the fact that despite technological advances, we remain dependent upon healthy ecosystems for our survival.
Remember to respect the physical distancing practices in place in your area while exploring outdoor activities!
Grades K-3
Follow the story of Lily and Sage as they learn what stories plants can tell from making observations about what plant parts they can see. Then, use the observation sheets to go outside and make your own observations to become a Budburst Buddy. This is the perfect time of year to watch things grow!

First, read the story .
Then use the Plant Report templates to learn your own plant's story!
What do you think of the Budburst Buddies activity?
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Participate in a scavenger hunt activity to explore and document biodiversity in your neighbourhood. Search for various plants and animals based on their characteristics and discover the wealth of life waiting outside your door!

First, watch the biodiversity bingo video to see other kids in action.

Then print out (or recreate by hand) your bingo card ! One per player—everyone can participate!

Visit a nearby green space, neighbourhood, or your own back yard and try to spot the things on your sheet. Challenge yourself to get a straight line, an X, or even a full sheet!

Hints
  • animals with 6 legs: insects (ants, ladybugs, bees, butterflies)
  • animals with 8 legs: spiders
  • animals with 2 legs: people, birds

Bonus Activity 1
Write the word "BIODIVERSITY" vertically on a piece of paper. For each letter, challenge yourself to think of the name of a creature or plant that can be found in your area. For example, B for bird, I for inch worm, etc.

Bonus Activity 2
Check out the Bio DaVersity Code game (Adobe Flash required)!
What do you think of the Biodiversity Bingo activity?
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Explore Canada’s biodiversity in a fun and interactive way at any time of the year. This activity includes options for both urban and rural settings, so you can explore biodiversity wherever you are!

First, brush up on your biodiversity knowledge .

Then select your desired kit ( Urban or Nature /Rural), print it out, and complete your outing!

Bonus Activity: calculate the biodiversity index of your backyard!
What do you think of the Biosphere Biokit activity?
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This book by Far Side Comics creator Gary Larson may be funny, but it contains an important lesson about how our perceptions of nature often influence how we care for it and that there is a difference between loving nature and understanding it.

Start by reading the book (keep an eye on the illustrations for hidden cartoons!).

What do you think of the There's A Hair In My Dirt activity?
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Virtual connection is more important than ever—share your learning with us using #LearningInsideOut and don't forget to tag LSF!
Let us know how this helped your learning & teaching from home experience and what you'd like to see more of by filling out our brief feedback form!
Please share widely with any parents or teachers in your life!
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) is a Canadian charity with over 25 years of experience working within the education system. Our Resources for Rethinking (R4R) database is an award-winning collection of resources that are peer-reviewed by certified teachers and connected to curriculum in all provinces and territories. R4R is recommended on many Ministry of Education websites.
Learning for a Sustainable Future
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