Teacher Notes

Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Languages Arts

Learning Level: Intermediate

• The student will synthesize and organize information about rainforest from a variety of sources.
• Understand the ecological importance of the rainforest.
• Understand the physical structure and locations of rainforests
• Learn about some animals that live in rainforests and the parts of the rainforest they inhabit.
• Summarize and explain issues associated with rainforests and people.
• Increase awareness of world problems.

Activities for Research Topics:
                  •Physical Features
 and Location
•Ecology and Climate
•Plants
•Animals
         Insects
Reptiles
Mammals
Birds
         •People and Issues
•Glossary

Physical Features and Location	Investigate the 4 Layers (strata) of the Tropical Rainforest and the characteristics of each. Find examples of animal life in each layer. Make a chart which shows the strata of the Rainforest. Analyze maps and charts to locate Tropical Rainforests around the world. Note the relationship of Rainforests to equator. Approximately what percentage of the Earth do the rain forests now cover?100 years ago? Make a map which shows where Tropical Rainforests are located.
Ecology and Climate	Summarize the Tropical Rainforest Climate. Note the average yearly temperature and yearly precipitation. How much rain does the Rainforest get each year compared to where we live? Make a graph for yearly precipitation and temperature based on the Tropical Rainforest of the Yucatan. Define Photosynthesis, Biodiversity , and Gases and Greenhouse Effect.
Plants	Here are some the unique plants that grow in the Rainforest: Bromelaids Carniverous Plants Epiphytes Lianas Orchids Sapropytes Strangler Fig Describe and illustrate plants on a chart.
Animals   Click here for a blank Animal Field Report.	Research the habitat, physical characteristics, food, protection, and other interesting facts about animals that live in Tropical Rainforests. Insects Reptiles Mammals Birds What type of animal is most numerous in tropical rainforests? Is the number of species of animals in rainforests increasing or decreasing? Complete an Animal Field Report for each animal you study to organize your information.
People and Issues	Investigate indigenous groups of people that live in rain forests. Identify environmental problems resulting from deforestation. How are rainforests damaged? What are some products that we use from the Rainforest?Why are rainforests important? Find out what we can do to help and make a brochure or newsletter.
Glossary	In your group, complete the definition of these vocabulary words: adaptation amphibian arachnid arboreal biologist botanist camouflage canopy carnivore conservation endangered environment epiphyte equator extinction herbivore insect invertibrate mammal omnivore parasite photosynthesis predator reptile scavenger slash-and-burn species symbiosis Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn understory vertebrate