
Intended End User: Teacher
Age Group: Upper Primary; Lower Secondary
School Curriculum: Science
Themes and Topics: Energy Use and Production; Collective Action; Environmental Change; Power & Influence; Citizenship
Duration: 90 min
Type of Resource: Game, Guidelines & Notes, Lesson Plans
Keywords:Â Biodiversity Conservation, Problem-Based Learning, Species Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Environmental Stewardship
Languages: English
Description
The resource introduces an engaging teaching method centered on the Mystery Game, designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among students. It focuses on the conservation of building-nesting species such as swifts, sparrows, kestrels, and bats, highlighting the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
Through small-group activities, students tackle real-world conservation challenges framed as mysteries, connecting biology concepts with environmental issues. The method incorporates diverse tools, including visual aids, QR codes, and structured inquiry, allowing students to analyze evidence, develop hypotheses, and present their findings.
Aligned with problem-based and inquiry-based learning approaches, the resource promotes Sustainability Citizenship, encouraging students to explore solutions to ecological problems while recognizing their role in conservation. It integrates scientific practices such as hypothesizing, data interpretation, and communication, making it suitable for interdisciplinary teaching.
The guide provides step-by-step instructions for implementation, including lesson formats, classroom procedures, and assessment strategies. It encourages student-led learning, creativity, and the development of critical competencies like teamwork, scientific inquiry, and public speaking.
By linking conservation efforts to students’ local contexts, the resource fosters environmental stewardship and awareness of human-wildlife coexistence. It serves as a flexible and dynamic tool for educators aiming to enhance their teaching practices while addressing key sustainability challenges.
How to use this resource
The resource contains a detailed pedagogical discussion of the method and a critical examination of the topic of “building breeders” as an example of species cognition and human influence.
The detailed description of the MYSTERY method helps the reader to adapt the game to their own needs or to create a mystery game independently.
There is also a complete lesson plan with prepared materials and implementation instructions.
The resources
MYSTERY Building Breeders PDF:
Learning Outcomes
- Elicit prior knowledge and further develop knowledge and comprehension of key Sustainability Citizenship key concepts, challenging established worldviews and values.
- Apply a range of suitable tools and frameworks to promote student Sustainability Citizenship.
- Collaboratively synthesise the knowledge, tools and frameworks to create educational materials and lessons plans adapted to their own local context.
Green Competencies
- Embodying Sustainable Values: Promoting Nature
- Embracing Complexity in Sustainability: Systems Thinking; Critical Thinking; Problem Framing
- Envisioning Sustainable Futures: Exploratory Thinking
- Acting for Sustainability: Collective Action; Individual Initiative
Creative Commons

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