ANIMALS
OF THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
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ANIMALS
OF THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
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Loose links to KS2 Science QCA Unit
4B
Edited for use in the WebQuestUK site by Dave Kibblewhite
(Site last checked on 14th May 2004)
Rainforests provide us with oxygen, help maintain our climate, and give us essential foods and medicines. Rainforests have intense tropical sunlight, high temperatures, and almost constant rainfall. 7% of the world is covered in rainforest. More than 50% of the world's plant and animal species inhabit rainforest areas. Dozens of animal species become extinct every day.
TASK ONE
Dudley Zoo would like to expand their rainforest exhibit and need to learn more about animals who live in the rainforest. Your group will be scientists from Dudley Zoo, and will go to one of the large rainforests in South America, Africa, or Southeast Asia. Pick 5 birds, mammals, amphibians, or insects to learn more about. Here is some information to look for:
1. Common and scientific name of animal.
2. Which rainforest does the animal live in?
3. Describe the animals' habitat.
4. What does the animal eat?
5. Find descriptive details or pictures of the animal.
6. Is the animal an endangered species?
7. How does the animal protect itself?
RESOURCES
Here are some Internet sites to check for information:
PROCESS
1. Go to each Internet site to find animals from the rainforest and begin making a list. Find 10 or 15 animals that you like, then make your final choice of 5 from them.
2. Search for answers to the questions about the 5 animals you selected.
3. Pretend you are preparing the information to show to the zoo administrators. Prepare your findings as a report, or prepare a Powerpoint presentation.
TASK TWO
Choose your favourite animal. Draw it and write some facts and information about it.
RESOURCES
Choose a book from the library and select an animal picture to draw.
You may also use pictures from sites on the Internet given above.
PROCESS
Use markers, crayons, or paint to colour the animals accurately. Make the picture large, at least 8 x 14.
TASK THREE
With your group, find sounds from the rainforest on the Internet. Record these sounds so we can use them as background music with your display.
RESOURCES
Here is an Internet site which has some super sounds:
PROCESS
Using a tape recorder, tape the sounds and music you like.
TASK FOUR
With your group, find out what kids can do to help protect the rainforest.
RESOURCES
PROCESS
Make a poster, design a tee shirt, or prepare a Powerpoint presentation to present your findings.
CONCLUSION
There is much more we can learn about rainforests including trees, plants, climate, and layers of the rainforest. There are also many changes that we as the population of the world should make to help preserve rainforests. Do what you can to help today!
BY DIANE ZENTZ
July 8, 1997