Wildlife conservation and coding: helping young people build solutions with technology
What has coding got to do with wildlife? More than you think.
When we think about protecting wildlife, coding might not be the first solution that comes to mind. But today’s environmental challenges - from habitat loss to ocean pollution - need problem-solvers. And problem-solvers need digital skills.
With the micro:bit, students don’t just learn to code. They learn to ask questions about the world around them, design solutions, prototype ideas and test them. Wildlife conservation becomes something they can actively explore; not just read about.
Connect computing to the Global Goals
The UN Global Goals provide a meaningful framework for exploring real-world issues. Our units of work and lesson plans help educators introduce these topics and then guide learners through designing technology-based responses.
Goal 14: Life Below Water
In our Saving sea creatures unit, students learn about the threats faced by fish and sea turtles, and how technology can help them survive. They develop a prototype light-up fishing net and a prototype sea turtle-safe beach light.
Goal 15: Life on Land
In Protecting animals on land, learners explore biodiversity and conservation before developing practical technological solutions. This unit combines science, design thinking and computing — helping learners see technology as a tool for positive impact.
Move from understanding to prototyping
Our Make it: code it projects give learners hands-on ways to explore conservation through coding.
Examples include:
- Animal tracker – Prototype a radio-based wildlife tracking device.
- Light-up fishing nets – Create safer fishing net prototypes.
- Saving sea turtles – Design turtle-safe beach lighting.
- Species counter – Count different species of plants and animals.
These projects support practical computing skills while encouraging thoughtful discussions about responsible technology design.
Inspire action with do your :bit
Through do your :bit, educators can connect coding directly to the Global Goals and invite learners to design solutions to challenges in their own communities.
Around the world, young people have:
- built sea monitoring systems
- designed smart aquaculture models
- created marine pollution awareness games
- developed environmental sensing prototypes.
The programme includes classroom resources, guidance, and a downloadable celebration pack - with certificates, posters, bunting, stickers, and logo guidelines - making it easy to run your own challenge and celebrate learners’ achievements.
Coding with purpose
Wildlife conservation doesn’t only belong in textbooks.
When learners use technology to explore environmental challenges, they develop:
- practical computing skills
- creative problem-solving
- environmental awareness
- confidence in their ability to contribute.
By connecting coding with real-world issues, educators help young people see technology not just as something they consume, but something they can use to contribute. And that might be one of the most important lessons of all.
Ready to bring wildlife conservation into your computing lessons or code club?
Explore the teaching units, try a make it: code it project, or run your own do your :bit challenge and help young people turn ideas into action.
