Teaching Biodiversity

To increase awareness of biodiversity, The Field Museum is dedicating this school year as “The Year of Biodiversity and Conservation.” The nine-month program will highlight the cutting-edge research and conservation projects of many of the Museum’s 170 scientists who work in 75 countries around the world.

Every month, from September through May, a different research theme and scientist will be featured. Exhibitions, lectures, scientist roundtables, and educational programs will allow visitors, teachers, and school groups to meet scientists and learn about such topics as climate change, the evolution of birds, and the diversity of aquatic life.

For a schedule of public events and exhibits, check out our Year of Biodiversity and Conservation Calendar of Events To learn more programs designed just for educators and school groups, please select a category below:

	Illinois Biodiversity Basics Take a look at the free downloadable lesson plans in the Illinois Biodiversity Basics, adapted from World Wildlife Fund’s Windows on the Wild: Biodiversity Basics. Designed to provide ideas for teaching biodiversity to grades 5-8, these activities can be adapted for use in other grade levels, too. After completing the unit, students will understand what biodiversity is, why it’s important, what the status of Illinois’s biodiversity is currently, and how students can help protect it.
	Teacher and Student Programs Delve deeper into a variety of programs that focus on biodiversity and conservation issues. These workshops and other activities let you discover exciting Museum resources, collaborate with other educators, and get lots of ideas for your classroom.
	Soil Adventure Mobile Explore the world beneath your feet when the Soil Adventure Mobile comes to your classroom. Museum educators will lead your students through a series of experiments and hands-on activities to learn more about soil and the amazing diversity of creatures that inhabit it. Programs are available for grades Pre-K through 8.
	Harris Loan Center Check out our biodiversity and conservation-themed resources from the Harris Educational Loan Center. Your students can recreate a greenhouse, build an oil well, learn about cultural diversity, and examine a great horned owl up close. Choose from several “Experience Boxes” that contain hands-on activities and lessons, educator’s guides, books, videos, artifacts, and lab kits. Our portable “Exhibit Cases” showcase an incredible array of diverse plants, animals, and people. Take advantage of these terrific opportunities to provide hands-on experiences corresponding to your classroom curriculum.
	Online Teaching Resources Examine the Museum’s treasures, connect directly to scientists, and have fun learning about biodiversity and conservation through interactive websites. Our on-line resources let you and your students experience the thrill of discovery anywhere that you have access to the Internet.
	Downloadable Resources We’ve created lots of downloadable lesson plans that address environmental themes facing our planet today. Topics include Climate Change, African Biodiversity, Island Biodiversity, and many more. Incorporate these activities into your classroom curriculum to help your students explore biodiversity in all its forms and learn how they can help participate in conservation activities that protect our web of life.

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If you are thinking one year ahead, sow seed. If you are thinking 10 years ahead, plant a tree. If you are thinking 100 years ahead, educate people.

— Chinese proverb