This section provides a summary of the partners and consultants involved in the development of the learning resource, as well as a brief outline of the contents of the learning resource guide and a brief introduction to biodiversity as an educational concept.

This section focuses on tropical forest ecosystems including forest structures; key species; deforestation; and conservation, preservation and restoration activities. A number of case studies are presented which highlight the challenges encountered in achieving sustainable forest management.

Activities in this section include:

E.8. Activity 1: Letter to the Editor

E.9. Activity 2: Exploring Tropical Rainforests

E.11. Activity 3: Take Action to Conserve Tropical Forests

E.14. Activity 4: Biodiversity Story Time

E. 15. Activity 5: Case Comparisons

This section focuses on mangrove swamp ecosystems of the tropics and subtropics. Students explore the biodiversity attributes of mangrove swamps, the human activities that take place within it, as well as the ecological threats and conservation activities taking place to protect them. The case study presented examines the environmental characteristics of a specific Caribbean mangrove swamp and the cooperative management strategies used to conserve the ecosystem.

 

Activities in this section include:

D.9. Activity 1: Stakeholder Debates

D. 10. Activity 2: Making Mangroves Matter

This section focuses on the coral reef ecosystems and their biological diversity, human uses of the ecosystems and threats associated with them. The case studies presented explore the ecological threats and management concerns that face many coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean and around the globe.

Activities in this section include:

C.10. Activity 1: Mock Marine Management Plan

C.11. Activity 2: Coral Reef Ecosystem Poster Presentation

C.13. Activity 3: Diagram the Case!

This section explores the biodiversity attributes of coastal ecosystems (beaches, rocky shores and seagrass beds), the human activities that take place within it, the natural and human influences that threaten it, and presents two case studies that explore the interests of stakeholder groups in protecting coastal biodiversity.

Activities in this section include:

B.5. Activity 1: Cooperative Coastal Management

B.6. Activity 2: Ethics in Action

B.8. Activity 3: Biodiversity and You: Recreation and Biodiversity CAN go Together!

This section explores the biodiversity attributes of the open ocean, threats to this ecosystems and presents a case study that explores the use of a marine reserve to protect biodiversity.

Activities in this section include:

A.8. Activity 1: Coastal Activities
A.9. Activity 2: Caribbean Fish Who's Who?

 

This section provides a short description of the five unique ecosystems (open oceans; coastal; coral reef; mangrove swamp; tropical forest) to be explored in Part 2 The Caribbean: A Biological Diversity Hotspot. The main themes of each ecosystem are summarized and the key concepts for each ecosystem are highlighted.

 

This section provides a short description of the three themes to be explored in Part 1 Biodiversity Basics: The Spice of Life. Each theme is summarized and the key concepts and specific information to be studied pertaining to biodiversity and Caribbean ecosystems, are highlighted.

 

In this section a variety of activities are provided that explore concepts of biodiversity with an emphasis on the effects of human activities on the environment. It also focuses on efforts to conserve biodiversity through monitoring, research, personal action and eco-tourism. Activities involve students in carrying out ecological studies, exploring natural and human systems and researching sustainable tourism. 

 

Activities in this section include:

C.1. Activity 15: Biodiversity Stories from Your Community

C.2. Activity 16: St. George's Goes to School!

C.3. Activity 17: Green Tourists? An Industry Study

C.4. Activity 18: Decisions, Decisions: The Green River Watershed

C.6. Activity 19: Action Projects Gallery

 

This section focuses on ecology basics including food webs, ecological niches, cycles and interdependence. The water cycle and chemical and physical properties of water are emphasized. The activities in this section engage students in exploring places that are meaningful to them and examines connections to place and community, as well as the key components of ecosystems and ecological cycles.

Activities in this section include:

B.3. Activity 6: My Special Place

B.4. Activity 7: Recipe for an Ecosystem

B.6. Activity 8: Chains and Webs

B.7. Activity 9: Ecosystem Postcards!

B.8. Activity 10: Create Your Own Ecosystem Creature!

This section provides a short description of the three themes to be explored in Part 1 Biodiversity Basics: The Spice of Life. Each theme is summarized and the key concepts and specific information to be studied pertaining to biodiversity and Caribbean ecosystems, are highlighted.

 

This download contains the complete Biodiversity of the Caribbean Learning Resource Guide. The resource consists of two parts. The first introduces students to the basic principles and concepts related to biodiversity and its conservation and protection. The second provides background, case studies and activities related to some of the Caribbean's ecosystems; open oceans, coastal zones, coral reefs, mangrove swamps and tropical forests. Bookmarks and a linked table of contents are embedded within each section of the PDF file to ease navigation. 

This section contains some background information about the benefits and challenges of taking students outdoors. Also included are Teacher Tips and several hands-on sensory awareness activities, additional resources, web links and a glossary of terms.

Appendices include:

Appendix 1: Teachers Tips and Strategies

Appendix 2: Biodiversity Resources

Appendix 3: Glossary