Curriculum Connections
Introduction
Because all living things (including humans) are connected, maintaining biodiversity is critical to the health of the planet. Students will learn that biodiversity includes diversity among individuals, species, and ecosystems. Through observation of a specific habitat and the classification of organisms, students will have a first-hand opportunity to appreciate the diversity of living things while recognizing the roles and interactions of individual species within the whole.
When assessing human impacts on species and ecosystems, especially at a local level, students must be
given opportunities to look at a variety of points of view. They should consider how and why the perspectives of developers, people concerned about the environment, and residents of the local community might be similar or different.
Linking to the Curriculum
The following charts are based on the Ontario Grade 6 Curriculum: Science and Technology (2007). However, educators across Canada will find that the OIW Series also fits well with the pan-Canadian curriculum outcomes for the life sciences, in particular for grades 5-7. The OIW Study Guide also offers cross-curricular activities in the arts, math, geography, and media studies.
Fundamental Concepts
| Episode | Fundamental Concept | Big Ideas | Overall Expectations |
| One | Systems and Interactions | Biodiversity includes diversity of individuals, species, and ecosystems. Because all living things are connected, maintaining diversity is critical to the health of the planet. | Demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity, its contributions to the stability of natural systems, and its benefits to humans. |
| Two | Sustainability and Stewardship | Classification of the components within a diverse system | Demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity, its contributions to the stability of natural systems, and its benefits to humans. |
| Three | Systems and Interactions | Classification of the components within a diverse system | Investigate the characteristics of living things, and classify diverse organisms according to specific characteristics |
| Four | Systems and Interactions | Classification of the components within a diverse system | Investigate the characteristics of living things, and classify diverse organisms according to specific characteristics |
| Five | Sustainability and Stewardship | Humans make choices that can have an impact on biodiversity | Investigate the characteristics of living things, and classify diverse organisms according to specific characteristics |
| Six | Sustainability and Stewardship | Humans make choices that can have an impact on biodiversity | Assess human impacts on biodiversity, and identify ways of preserving biodiversity |
Specific Expectations
| Episode | Relating Science and Technology to Society and the Environment | Developing Skills of Scientific Investigation and Technological Problem Solving | Understanding Basic Concepts |
| One | 1.1 | 2.4 | 3.2; 3.3; 3.4 |
| Two | 2.2; 2.4 | 3.1; 3.2 | |
| Three | 2.2; 2.4 | 3.1 | |
| Four | 1.2 | 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 2.5 | 3.1 |
| Five | 1.1 | 2.3; 2.4 | 3.3; 3.4; 3.5 |
| Six | 1.1; 1.2 | 2.4; 2.5 | 3.3 |
Explanation of Number Codes
1.1 Analyse a local issue related to biodiversity taking different points of view into consideration, propose action that can be taken to preserve biodiversity, and act on the proposal
1.2 Assess the benefits that human societies derive from biodiversity and the problems that occur when biodiversity is diminished
2.2 Investigate the organisms found in a specific habitat and classify them according to a classification system
2.3 Use scientific inquiry/research skills to compare the characteristics of organisms within the plant or animal kingdoms
2.4 Use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including: classification, biodiversity, natural community, interrelationships, vertebrate, invertebrate, stability, characteristics, and organism, in oral and written communication
2.5 Use a variety of forms to communicate with different audiences and for a variety of purposes
3.1 Identify and describe the distinguishing characteristics of different groups of plants and animals, and use these characteristics to further classify various kinds of plants and animals
3.2 Demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity as the variety of life on earth, including variety within each species of plant and animal, among species of plants and animals in communities, and among communities and the physical landscapes that support them
3.3 Describe ways in which biodiversity within species is important for maintaining the resilience of those species
3.4 Describe ways in which biodiversity within and among communities is important for maintaining the resilience of these communities
3.5 Describe interrelationships within species, between species, and between species and their environment
These curriculum links are based on the Ontario Curriculum Science & Technology Grade 6 (Revised 2007) Understanding Life Systems – Biodiversity (Selected Text)