Biodiversity Education in School Gardens
摘要
Biodiversity encompasses the diversity of habitats, species, and genes, and can be thought of as one of the greatest assets our planet has to offer. Biodiversity is the foundation of ecological functions and environmental health, both of which depend on complex interrelationships between a multitude of different organisms. The rapid loss of biodiversity due to climate change and human activities calls for a comprehensive education that leads to the recognition of the value of biodiversity and attitudes toward its conservation. This education should include not only biological, but also economic, political and cultural aspects. This chapter highlights school gardens as a dynamic learning environment that allows students to experience and understand biodiversity in a hands-on way. A central goal of biodiversity education is to deepen students’ understanding of different species and their living conditions. Due to the increasing alienation from nature, also known as “nature deficit syndrome”, many people no longer have this understanding. However, this deficit can be addressed through regular nature experiences and educational programs. School gardens provide an ideal platform for interdisciplinary learning where students can combine biological, mathematical and social concepts. Through effective teaching methods such as inquiry-based learning and project-based learning, students can be actively involved in the learning process, which has a positive impact on their attitudes toward the environment.