Eco Investigators: Understanding Our Local Ecosystems
The Eco Investigators badge lets students explore the nature around them, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of habitats, biodiversity and their connections. This badge aims to inspire students to take notice of their surroundings and turn awareness into action by improving their school grounds, making them active participants in bettering their environment.
Badge goals
By the end of this activity, students will
- Understand how ecosystems function
- Identify native plant species
- Recognise environmental factors affecting biodiversity
- Suggest ways to improve their school environment
When & Where to use this badge
This activity can link with Science / Biology (ecosystems, habitats), Geography (local environments), and Environmental Studies, but can be adapted by teachers across disciplines who wish to explore creative approaches to nature-based learning.
Teachers can adapt timing and depth depending on their school context, while keeping the core flow: Learn → Explore → Research → Analyse → Share
Steps to complete this badge
Step 1 – Learn & Think (10–15 minutes)
Introduce the concept of ecosystems, focusing on living components (plants, animals) and non-living factors (soil, sunlight, water, exposure). Discuss the importance of biodiversity in Malta and its role in supporting healthy environments.
Ask:
- What natural environments exist in Malta?
- Why are native plants important?
- What threatens them?
- How might our school environment differ from a natural habitat?
Step 2 – Explore a Natural Site (20–30 minutes or field visit)
Visit a local natural area (e.g. Natura 2000 site or nearby habitat). Students, in groups, identify and record native plant species, observe environmental conditions (sunlight, soil, wind exposure), and note signs of human impact.
Step 3 – Research & Understand (15–20 minutes)
Back in class, students research selected plants: name and characteristics, seeding season, and role in the ecosystem. Students consider which plants are suitable for growing in school and what conditions they need.
Step 4 – Analyse & Reflect (10–15 minutes)
Students compare the natural site with the school environment. Students discuss what is missing in the school ecosystem and how biodiversity could be improved. Students create a simple map or list of suggested improvements.
Step 5 – Share (Optional / Extension)
Students can present findings to the class, create posters or displays, or share ideas during assembly or school platforms.
You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF
Resources & Equipment Needed
- Clipboards / paper
- Pens/pencils
- Mobile phones or tablets (plant identification apps e.g. PlantNet)
- Optional: field guides, magnifiers
Downloadable Material
No badge materials provided