PREREQUISITES: Must have successfully completed Biology.

Conservation biology is a course that will include the importance of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity and approaches to conservation. Within this course, students will learn several scientific skills to monitor the health of our local flora, fauna as well as the conservation strategies and efforts currently in place. Students will collaborate with the local nonprofit conservation organization, Parker River Clean Water Association and other stakeholders, to participate in several hands-on conservation projects such as: Blanding's turtle nest site maintenance, monitoring and protection; Blanding Turtle Head Start Classroom program, Bluebird/Tree swallow NestWatch program, and the removal of invasive plants. This course will foster environmental engagement, research of conservation issues, being able to think critically, and solve current environmental problems in our local area. Overall, students will learn the challenges in conserving life, the importance of collaborating to solve real world conservation problems and how to become a responsible citizen to make a positive difference. The course will conclude with a student directed capstone conservation project to share with our school and community.

1242 Conservation Biology Grades 10-12 1 Semester 2.5 Credits