This article takes you on a journey through the authors' school course unit, the Variety of Life, which aims to unpick the idea of biodiversity and its many facets. The aims and principles of each teaching topic are defined, teaching activities suggested, resources described and the skills each topic develops listed. Whilst aimed at 11- to 14-year-olds (key stage 3 in English and Welsh schools) the unit could be adapted for study at key stage 4 (14- to 16-year-olds).