Urban Sprawl, Wildlife Corridors, and Biodiversity: Human Impact on Ecosystems

Shared by A STEM Educator

7th Grade5e-learning-cycleMS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-345 min

Learning Objective

Students will analyze the effects of human activities on ecosystem biodiversity and design evidence-based wildlife corridor solutions that preserve genetic diversity in fragmented urban landscapes.

Lesson Overview

Students investigate how urban sprawl fragments habitats and reduces biodiversity, then apply ecological concepts to design wildlife corridor networks that mitigate human impact on regional ecosystems.

Materials

Printed regional satellite maps (before/after, 10-year interval) — one per pair
Colored pencils or markers (green, gray, brown, blue)
Human Impact Activity Cards (set of 20 per group)
Biodiversity Data Table handout
Wildlife Corridor Design Grid (printed on 11x17 paper)
Rulers
Sticky notes (two colors)
Whiteboard or chart paper for class anchor chart
Optional: tablets/computers with Google Earth access for satellite imagery

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

Look at the two satellite images of the same region taken 10 years apart. On your sticky note, write:
(a) one change you notice in the landscape, and(b) one question you have about what happened to the wildlife living there. [ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]

2Task 2

Sort your 20 Human Impact Cards into four categories: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Invasive Species, and Overharvesting. Record your sort below. Then answer: Which category has the most cards? What does that tell you about the biggest threat to ecosystems in your region?

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