SPOTTED AN INCURSION? SEND US AN ALERT

Module 1

Introduction

Island homes of seabird species are threatened by invasive predators such as rats, stoats, and mink. An invasive predator is an animal that has been introduced to an island by humans and threatens seabird species by eating their eggs, chicks, or even adult birds. Seabirds can’t defend themselves from these hunters. Once they arrive, they can be very hard to remove as they spread across islands and breed quickly. This module helps pupils become familiar with some of their own local common seabirds, how they survive and breed plus learning how these invasive predators might affect them.

What is Biosecurity? What is an invasive predtaor?

Introduction to local seabird conservation

Work through the activities in this module to introduce your pupils to some of the seabirds you might have in your local area. Help them understand the concept of biosecurity as a way to protect seabird nesting islands from invasive predators.

Key Module Questions:
  • What are some common seabird names you know?
  • If all the seabirds were gone. How would you feel?
  • What parts of biosecurity story do you find the most interesting?
  • Why does biosecurity matter?
  • What is a habitat and why are they important?
Learning outcomes: 

Pupils can share information, experiences and opinions. They can explain processes and ideas. They can identify issues raised and summarise main points or findings. Pupils can clarify points by asking questions. Pupils can identify and classify examples of living things, past and present, to help them appreciate their diversity. Pupils can relate physical and behavioural characteristics to their survival or extinction.

Key vocabulary
  • Seabird names (Local dialect)
  • Biosecurity
  • Predator
  • Predate
  • Prey
  • Invasion
  • Reproduction
  • Life cycle

Session Structure

Work through the presentation slides above and click on the relevant activity links below for downloadable resources. A suggested session structure could be as follows:

  1. Icebreaker – Name that seabird! (10mins) – Pupils will explore the importance of local dialects when it comes to naming seabirds. Click on the Icebreaker link below for your downloadable resource
  2. Introduction to Biosecurity (15 mins) Have pupils ever heard the word ‘biosecurity’ before? What do they think it means? Watch the video introduction presented by a professional Biosecurity Officer Jaclyn Pearson from Southern England.
  3. Habitat Explorer (30mins) What is a habitat and why are they important? Click on the activity link below and explore what different habitats are and what life they support. This activity counts towards your RSPB Wild Challenge Award
  4. Local context setting (20 mins) Pupils investigate their local seabird species, their breeding grounds and local challenges. What seabirds do you have locally? Does your island or nearest island have any predators? Click on the seabird fact sheet links below for some interesting seabird island information
  5. Plenary (20 mins) Consolidating learning through questions on the slides. Then click on the activity link to play the game invented by pupils from Raasay Primary from an island in the West of Scotland.
  6. Homework – Research your local seabirds. What fun facts can you find about your chosen birds?
Seabird Factsheet Seabird Factsheet Seabird Factsheet
Module 1

Icebreaker The Bird Name Game - exploring local dialects

Optional
Module 1

Wild Challenge Habitat Explorer - what habitats do you have on your school grounds?

Mandatory
Module 1

Outdoor Game Migration & Nesting Game - a fast and fun role play game

Optional

All modules

Module 1

Introduction

An introduction to biosecurity and why it matters. Includes outdoor games

Module 2

Immersion

Researching seabirds including tasks, model building and games

Module 3

Solutions

How to help seabirds including games, treasure hunts and identifying tracks

Module 4

Design

Setting a design challenge and biodiversity action planning

Module 5

Refine

Groups present and evaluate ideas including news-reading, games and writing

Module 6

Share

Spreading the word including stories, map activity and games

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