Explain the importance of biodiversity to create resilience in the garden environment
THEME: The Living Soil–The Living Plant: We are all Interconnected and Related
STRAND: Biodiversity and Interdependent Relationships
GRADE LEVEL: 6-8
Key Concepts
Identify the components of a biodiverse system and recognize that a diverse gene pool is critical to survival and resilience.
Lesson
Compare and contrast transgenic, hybrid, and open pollinated crops.
Apply principles of seed saving to maintain biodiversity in your garden.
Compare a monocrop to the diverse environment in a garden.
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Activity
Adapt the web of life game: Play 2 times: #1 Use very limited garden population (5-7 kinds of players 1 tree,1 leaf crop,1 insect,1 bird,1 mammal,1 soil microbe etc.) and play game. Be sure each player has played at least two times. End game by eliminating one of the kinds of players (they drop their string). Look at how it impacts the web between you.
#2 Play again using a much more diverse garden population (use real examples from your garden). Be sure each player has played at least two times. End game by eliminating one of the kinds of players (they drop their string). Look at how it impacts the web between you.
Compare and contrast resilience of the two systems.
Analyze arguments for and against GMO (transgenic) crops.Use scientific evidence to support your claim for how GMO crops affect biodiversity.
Research the Great Famine of Ireland and consider implications for your community. Research the effects of invasive species (Christmas Berry, Kahili Ginger) on the native Hawaiian ecosystem.