Development of a Class for Junior High School Students to Think About Biodiversity Conservation on the Theme of Genji Fireflies Introduced from Other Areas of Japan

Abstract

  Current science textbooks used in Japanese junior high schools deal with contents about invasive species from foreign countries; however, contents about domestic invasive species are lacking. So, there are few chances for students to understand problems related to domestic invasive species. In this study, we developed a class activity where junior high school students think about biodiversity conservation focusing on the case of the Genji firefly (Luciola cruciata), which is one of the most serious problems among domestic invasion. Results of questionnaires before and after the class suggest two findings. First, the students understood that releasing the Genji firefly without consideration of its genotype led to degeneration of the native population, and that maintenance of the habitats appropriate for the growth phase was effective for conservation. Second, the students realized what they can do to reform or defend their local natural environments.