Grade 10 Science DLL: Biodiversity and Conservation
Biodiversity and Conservation
Learning Standards
Content Standard
Learners demonstrate understanding of biodiversity and the importance of conservation
Performance Standard
Learners shall be able to conduct a biodiversity assessment and propose conservation strategies for local ecosystems
Learning Competency
Understanding biodiversity, its importance, and conservation strategies
Code: S10LT-IVg-50
Complete Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives
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Define biodiversity and its three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity
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Explain the importance of biodiversity to ecosystems and human welfare
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Identify major threats to biodiversity
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Propose conservation strategies to protect biodiversity
Lesson Procedures
motivation
Video Presentation: The Philippines - A Biodiversity Hotspot (5 minutes)
Show a short video showcasing Philippine endemic species:
- Philippine Eagle
- Tarsier
- Tamaraw
- Coral reefs of Tubbataha
- Endemic orchids
Discussion: Why is the Philippines called a 'megadiverse country'?
presentation
Understanding Biodiversity (18 minutes)
Definition: Biodiversity (biological diversity) = the variety of life on Earth at all levels
Three Levels of Biodiversity:
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Genetic Diversity
- Variety of genes within a species
- Example: Different rice varieties in the Philippines
- Importance: Adaptation and survival
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Species Diversity
- Variety of different species in an area
- The Philippines has over 52,000 described species
- High endemism rate (species found nowhere else)
-
Ecosystem Diversity
- Variety of ecosystems in a region
- Examples: Coral reefs, mangroves, rainforests, mountains
Why is Biodiversity Important?
Ecosystem Services:
- Provisioning: Food, medicine, materials
- Regulating: Climate, water purification, pollination
- Supporting: Nutrient cycling, soil formation
- Cultural: Recreation, spiritual value, tourism
Economic Value:
- Ecotourism in the Philippines
- Medicinal plants
- Genetic resources for agriculture
Major Threats to Biodiversity:
- Habitat Loss - Deforestation, urbanization
- Pollution - Plastic, chemicals, air pollution
- Climate Change - Rising temperatures, sea level rise
- Invasive Species - Janitor fish, water hyacinth
- Overexploitation - Overfishing, illegal wildlife trade
Conservation Strategies:
- Protected areas (National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries)
- Restoration ecology
- Sustainable resource management
- Community-based conservation
- Laws and policies (Wildlife Protection Act)
- Education and awareness
generalization
Summary and Call to Action (5 minutes)
- Biodiversity includes genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity
- It provides essential services for human survival and well-being
- The Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot but faces serious threats
- Conservation requires protected areas, sustainable practices, and community involvement
- Every individual can contribute to conservation through responsible choices
Quote to remember: 'In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.' - Baba Dioum
guided practice
Group Activity: Biodiversity Case Study Analysis (12 minutes)
Divide class into 4 groups. Each group analyzes a different Philippine biodiversity issue:
Group 1: Deforestation in Sierra Madre Group 2: Coral bleaching in Philippine reefs Group 3: Decline of Philippine Eagle population Group 4: Mangrove destruction in coastal areas
Each group identifies:
- The threat(s) involved
- Impact on biodiversity
- Proposed conservation solutions
Groups present briefly (2 minutes each).
independent practice
Individual Reflection Activity (7 minutes)
Students write in their notebooks:
- Choose one endemic Philippine species that interests you
- Research and note:
- Its habitat
- Why it's threatened
- What can be done to protect it
- Personal action: What can YOU do to help conserve biodiversity in your community?
Some students may volunteer to share their reflections.
preliminary activities
Prayer and Greetings (2 minutes)
Attendance Check (1 minute)
Review of Previous Lesson (3 minutes) Recall concepts about ecosystems and ecological relationships.
Assessment
answers
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The three levels are: (1) Genetic diversity - variety within species (e.g., different rice varieties); (2) Species diversity - variety of different species (e.g., number of bird species in a forest); (3) Ecosystem diversity - variety of habitats (e.g., coral reefs, rainforests, mangroves)
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Biodiversity provides ecosystem services including food, medicine, clean water, air purification, climate regulation, pollination, soil formation, and cultural/recreational benefits. It supports human survival and economic activities
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Major threats include: habitat loss (deforestation), pollution (plastic, chemicals), climate change, invasive species, overexploitation (illegal logging, overfishing, wildlife trade)
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A biodiversity hotspot is a region with high species diversity and endemism that is under significant threat. The Philippines is considered one because it has over 52,000 species with high endemism rates, but has lost significant habitat
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Examples: (1) Establish protected areas and marine sanctuaries; (2) Implement stricter laws against illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction; (3) Promote community-based conservation programs; (4) Support habitat restoration projects; (5) Raise public awareness through education
questions
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What are the three levels of biodiversity? Give one example of each.
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Why is biodiversity important to human society?
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List three major threats to biodiversity in the Philippines.
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What is a biodiversity hotspot, and why is the Philippines considered one?
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Suggest two conservation strategies that can help protect endangered species.
Materials & Resources
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Laptop and projector for video
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Pictures of Philippine endemic species
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World map showing biodiversity hotspots
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Chart paper and markers for group work
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Case study handouts
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Whiteboard and markers
remarks
Students showed strong emotional connection to Philippine endemic species. Group discussions were lively and productive. Several students expressed interest in conservation careers. Video was very effective in engaging students.
assignment
Homework Assignment:
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Research Project: Choose one Philippine National Park or Protected Area. Write a one-page report including:
- Location and size
- Key species found there
- Conservation challenges
- How it's being protected
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Personal Action Plan: Create a list of 5 concrete actions you and your family can take to help conserve biodiversity in your daily life
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Creative Output: Draw or create a poster promoting biodiversity conservation with the slogan: 'Save Philippine Biodiversity'
Bring your outputs next meeting.
subject matter
Topic: Biodiversity and Conservation
Key Concepts:
- Genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity
- Ecosystem services and biodiversity value
- Threats: habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation
- Conservation strategies: protected areas, restoration, sustainable practices
- Philippines as a biodiversity hotspot
Reference Materials:
Science 10 Learner's Material, pp. 289-312
Materials Needed:
Pictures of Philippine endemic species, world map, video on biodiversity, chart paper