Turn your backyard into a hands-on biodiversity lab

Backyard Biodiversity is a celebration of National Science Week in CSIRO magazines Scientriffic and The Helix.

The project is a series of simple and engaging biodiversity activities and articles which includes a Backyard Bugs Guide, temporary tattoos, stickers and a website.

The Backyard Bugs Guide is designed to raise awareness of some of the smallest creatures on the planet and the vital functions that they perform in our environment.

“Love them or fear them, we can’t avoid insects,” Scientriffic Editor Tanya Patrick said.

“They can sting and bite; they can destroy property and damage crops, but they also make useful products, such as silk and beeswax. They also provide food for many animals, help to make new, rich soils and keep our planet clean by recycling natural wastes and pollinating plants.”

But it’s not just about bugs. There are many other ways to get involved, from salinity experiments to endangered species activities.

Many of Backyard Biodiversity, the activities and articles are online at Double Helix Science Club. Just follow the link to Backyard Biodiversity.

It’s time to celebrate our diversity and protect our unique wildlife – hope online now!

CSIRO’s Double Helix Science Club helps people have fun exploring science. The Club has over 17 000 members and since 1986 has inspired hundreds of thousands of young Australians to smile while stretching their minds.

CSIRO’s Double Helix Science Club members receive either Scientriffic (ages 7+) or The Helix (ages 10+) magazine every two months with science news, hands-on activities, experiments, comics, competitions and giveaways invitations to member events at the nine CSIRO Science Education Centres across Australia.

Backyard Biodiversity is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.