By the end of these lessons, you will develop an idea that helps to create a better balance between people and nature.

Let’s start to think about what issues involving biodiversity you are interested in, are affecting you and your community or want to know more about. What makes you upset? What do you want the future to look like? What ideas can you get behind?

?? So here you go: What would you do to better balance people and nature? This is the starting point to help you develop your idea.

Make a list of as many things as you can think of. You will be exploring some of these ideas in more detail and eventually selecting one to focus on for your project at the end of these lessons.

Start jotting down your thoughts and ideas. Again – think about the theme media you are exploring, it can help provide you with ideas and context. Stuck? Browse the Curated Library! (start with these: Biodiversity, Current Debates, Your Project)

Once ideas have been exhausted, spend 10-20 minutes researching the topics, then add to the existing list and note how many more terms and concepts were added from researching the idea.

Discuss how doing research helped you learn more about the topic. What keywords did you use in your research?

Brainstorming Tools
  • Post-it notes: Have students jot down terms and ideas on sticky notes and post them on a wall.
  • Blackboard/Whiteboard/Smartboard: Teacher records students ideas, or students write their ideas on the board.
  • Group brainstorm: Students can join small groups and brainstorm ideas and terms, then present their terms to the class. Teacher can record a master list of all terms.
  • Pass a card around the class and have students write down their terms and ideas, or pose a question that will help contribute to discussing the idea. Teachers can read all ideas to the class.
  • Google Docs or another preferred sharing platform and have students add terms.
  • Miro.com
  • TheBrain.com
  • SimpleMind app
Resources

How to Brainstorm in the Classroom

What is Brainstorming?

Brainstorming – Generating Many Radical, Creative Ideas

Tips
  • Make sure you respect others and listen to all ideas – there are no wrong answers.
  • Teachers should not judge the value of any suggestions (unless inappropriate).
  • Your teacher may give you a hint with subheadings for related terms and ideas.
  • Ensure your space is appropriate for the brainstorming method of your choice.

Need more ideas on how to brainstorm?