Create a map of local flora and fauna

Gather information about local flora and fauna and create a map with coordinates showing the location of plants and animals

In this engaging activity for KS2, students will work in groups to collect information about the flora and fauna in their area. They will then create a map that displays the location of these plants and animals using coordinates.

This is one of a set of free STEM resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource combines understanding of the natural world with maths skills, to create a map and guidebook of the local flora and fauna.

A fun and practical exercise in which students will take real measurements of the area and use grid paper to create a scale representation. Additionally, students will incorporate digital photographs or drawings of the flora and fauna to create informational pages for the guidebook.

For optimal results, it is advisable to conduct this activity in small groups. Selecting a suitable location is crucial, which could be the school grounds, nearby park, or other accessible area such as a local forest.

It may be best if only one team member produces the map, and the other focus on measurement and describing the observed flora and fauna. The flora and fauna could include plants, trees, observed birds and wildlife and insects.

This activity will take approximately 80-120 minutes to complete.

Tools/resources required
Access to an appropriate outside area with flora and fauna
Pencils
Rulers
Clipboards
Digital cameras
Grid sheets to map the local area
Tape measures
Chalk
Glue sticks or sticky tape

The engineering context
Environmental engineers across the globe engage in the mapping of flora and fauna to monitor changes in the natural world. Their research spans a variety of areas, including the impact of deforestation in the Amazon, the effects of climate change in the Polar regions, and the consequences of flooding in Asia.

Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity students will be able to draw a map, they will be able to plot the positions using coordinates and they will be able to create, identify, and describe flora and fauna. Additionally, they will be able to use SI units for lengths/distances and they will be able to measure an area and scale it onto a map.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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