We have lots of conservation topics that we are passionate about here at the zoo. Through our work with schools and our Curriculum Advisory Panel we know how important these topics are to teachers and pupils alike once they start to explore them in more detail. We’ve put together this collection of videos to help introduce some conservation conversations to your classrooms, PSHE sessions, form time or even to use in assemblies.
SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL (KS1, KS2 and KS3)
One of the biggest threats facing the wildlife of South East Asia is deforestation led by unsustainable production of palm oil. By damaging the rainforest people destroy the homes of plants and animals who can live nowhere else on Earth. As part of our mission to prevent extinction we began the Sustainable Palm Oil Challenge.
Palm oil can be found in 50% of the products on supermarket shelves so it’s vital that we are farming it correctly. By joining our campaign to get everyone using Sustainable Palm Oil your students will discover the stunning diversity of wildlife in South East Asia and the ways in which Palm Oil threatens their individual habitats. They will learn about the ways palm oil farming practices affect the local people, examine the alternative options and find out about all the ways in which they can help prevent extinction of iconic species such as orangutans, hornbills and tigers.
Download our: The Supply Chain of Palm Oil [VIDEO]
Play our: Palm Oil Perspectives – Consumers [VIDEO]
We have a whole collection of Palm Oil Perspectives looking at the topic from several points of view.
Using these videos, encourage your student to discuss:
- The differences between unsustainable and sustainable palm oil
- How wildlife is affected by unsustainable palm oil production
- Some of the solutions they could take part in to create a more sustainable supply chain
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE (KS2 and KS3)
The illegal wildlife trade is the illegal trade of any part of an animal, living or dead, which is protected by law. This can include the pet trade, for use in medicine or as jewellery or trinkets. The illegal wildlife trade is one of the leading threats facing the natural world today. Worth approximately $19 billion annually it is the greatest direct threat to many of our most iconic species. Through our Illegal Wildlife Trade campaign we aim to raise awareness to more people.
These videos shows the devastating effects of the illegal wildlife trade which will help show your pupils the extent of this conservation crisis:
Download our: KS2 Illegal Wildlife Trade Overview [VIDEO]
Download our: Introduction of Illegal Wildlife Trade [ViDEO]
For older pupils, an interesting topic of conversation is also how the use of social media can have an effect on illegal wildlife trade:
Download our: Illegal Wildlife Trade & Social Media [VIDEO]
We also have an Illegal Wildlife Trade Video Collection about ways that people can help. Use any or all of the above to discuss the issues around illegal wildlife trade and ways in which people can help to stop it.
- What examples of illegal wildlife trade are they aware of?
- Why might people trade wildlife illegally?
- How could they raise awareness of the issues around illegal wildlife trade?
WILDLIFE CONNECTIONS (KS1 and KS2)
British wildlife is under threat from habitat loss, climate change and pollution leading to reduced populations for species across the UK. Through our Wildlife Connections conservation campaign, people can find out about adaptations, habitats and behaviours of a range of UK species and ways to help them. There are loads of ways your learners can help to prevent extinction in the UK at home and in the playground.
What is Wildlife Connections all about? Watch the video below:
Find out more about a site near Chester who have taken lots of action for UK wildlife for some inspiration:
We also have lots of Wildlife Connections ‘How to’ videos to get your pupils involved in making wildlife friendly habitats or feeders.
Have a chat to your pupils about the wildlife they are aware of in UK and what how they could help.
- What animals do they know that are native to UK?
- Why do they think some of these animals might be threatened?
- What could they do to help wildlife in your own green space?
RAINFORESTS (KS2 and KS3)
Rainforests cover 6% of land on Earth but are home to 50% of terrestrial species. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the illegal wildlife trade and deforestation these habitats are one of the most threatened on Earth.
Learners love to discover the wildlife that lives in the rainforest and are often surprised about the products that the rainforest provides. It’s so important that people understand the devastating effect of deforestation for wildlife and people. Talking about rainforests can open up huge areas of discussion about species, habitat, climate, shopping habits, people and more; so is a great conversation starter!
To start with, download our: Why are rainforests important? [VIDEO]
To expand the conversation explore: What is deforestation? [VIDEO]
We even have a video looking at: What products come from the rainforest? [VIDEO]
We have lots of Rainforest Resources to expand this conversation further with your class.
Some discussions you could have:
- How would they need to prepare to go on an expedition to the rainforest?
- Why do they think people chop down rainforest?
- What would the world look like if we had no rainforests left?
Explore our educational workshops which are available as IN ZOO workshops, OUTREACH workshops or VIRTUAL sessions!
Discover our FREE learning resources to help support your conversations in class. There are loads of different activities to choose from.