This lesson suits Year 7-8 students within the Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Students will personally explore the positive effects of nature on mental health and wellbeing. They will use research and case studies to explore real-life examples of how biodiversity can support individual and community mental health, and share this with their peers through the creative development of freeze-frame news reports. The creation of a ‘Take 10 Outside’ campaign will encourage their school community to connect with nature more regularly.

Learning intentions:

Students will:

• explore how spending time in biodiverse environments supports emotional well-being
• reflect on how biodiversity can support individual and community mental health.

Success criteria:

Students can:

• explain at least 2 mental health benefits of spending time in biodiverse or natural spaces
• design a well-being activity that encourages others to connect with nature in their local area.

This lesson was created in collaboration with Cool.org as part of the Biodiversity in Action education resources, which are hosted on their website.