3.SCI.2.2.16 Improve Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a term used to describe the variety of life found on Earth. This includes ecosystems, genetic and cultural diversity, as well as the connections between these and all species.

We have only just started to understand the complex relationships between living things and their environments. It is helpful to think of an ecosystem as a woven carpet; if you pull on a loose thread it might only affect the thread and those closest to it or it might unravel the whole carpet.

Unfortunately, human activity can impact biodiversity. Habitat loss is one of the biggest causes of biodiversity decline. Climate change, land use and unsustainable harvesting of natural resources can affect natural areas. By destroying or splitting up natural areas we change the environment of the species that live there. These changes can force the animals, plants, and microorganisms to move or go extinct.

TAKE ACTION!

You can help create habitat and promote biodiversity by creating seed balls! These balls can be thrown, placed or planted in any urban space that needs greening.

You will need:

• Clay
• Compost/soil
• Native seeds (flower, plant, fruit or vegetable). Native plants are species that grow naturally in your area. 
• Water

What to do:

You will need one tablespoon of seeds, three tablespoons of compost, five tablespoons of dry
red clay, and two tablespoons of water.

1. Mix the seeds well with the compost.
2. Mix in the clay with the seed/compost mixture until completely blended together.
3. Add water, a bit at a time, mixing with your hands continuously. You want to get the mixture to almost bread dough consistency (but not wet and sticky).
4. Form the seed balls. You can make a big one or several small balls.

Your seed balls are ready to go! You can throw, place or plant the balls anywhere that has a small patch of unpaved ground – even in your backyard or indoors. Use your imagination and you will find an almost infinite number of possibilities!

Please, remember to write the observations in your Journal answering the questions:

1.How many days did it take the seeds to sprout?

2.What factors effected that?

3.Share your ideas about how to create a"friendly" environment for seeds to grow.