Lesson Planning
Lower Key Stage 2 Rainforests - NEW LOOK
The Rainforest under Threat
Learn about the destruction of the rainforest. Research the arguments for and against deforestation and create an 'issue tree' to share learning. Find out why the rainforest is important and which species are endangered. Reflect on the learning by writing a poem and developing an action plan.
Session 1 The vanishing rainforest
Objectives
Geography
- To investigate why the rainforest is being destroyed.
- To recognise some of the arguments for and against deforestation.
- To act in role and empathise with others.
Enquiry question
Why is the rainforest disappearing?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Identify and investigate causes of deforestation.
- Create an ‘issue tree’ to share our learning about deforestation.
- Act in role to consider possible arguments for and against deforestation.
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Large sheets of paper
Internet
Non-fiction books about the rainforest (optional)
Weblinks
A summary of some of the threats to the rainforest from the Young People’s Trust for the Environment
Session 2 The web of life
Objectives
Geography
- To develop understanding of the plant and animal interactions within the rainforest ecosystem.
- To discuss some of the impacts of deforestation.
- To apply features of persuasive writing to design a poster about the effects of deforestation.
Enquiry question
What are the impacts of deforestation?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Identify connections between plants and animals in a rainforest ecosystem.
- Describe some of the impacts of deforestation.
- Create persuasive posters about the importance of saving the rainforest.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Ball of string
Scissors
Paper
Coloured pens and pencils
Weblinks
This video clip from Chester Zoo explains some of the causes and impacts of deforestation
Session 3 The endangered rainforest
Objectives
Geography
- To investigate why and how some rainforest species are threatened.
- To research information about endangered rainforest plants and animals.
- To design and make a board game about endangered rainforest species.
Enquiry question
Why and how are some rainforest species endangered?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Understand what it means to be endangered and extinct.
- Research and record information about endangered rainforest plants and animals.
- Design and make a board game based on endangered species in the rainforest.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Selection of board games (optional)
Card
Paper
Coloured pencils/pens
Ruler
Scissors
Glue
Counters
Dice
Weblinks
A short video clip explaining how and why animals become endangered
Facts about some endangered animal species from the charity, WWF
Session 4 Through the window
Objectives
Geography
- To investigate the destruction of the rainforest and how places can change over time.
- To develop art techniques by creating a collage with a rainforest theme.
- To explore poetry with a repeated pattern; write rainforest themed poetry.
Enquiry question
What is the rainforest we would like to see, now and in the future?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Use the concept of deforestation to stimulate art and poetry based on the rainforest.
- Create a collage and experiment with tissue paper to create various colours.
- Use a repeating pattern to write poetry.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Window by Jeannie Baker
Tissue paper in various shades of green, brown, blue, yellow, orange and pink
Backing square cut out of white card
Black A4 card (pre-cut into square frames - optional)
White glue 50/50 with water; Soft medium sized paintbrush
Pencil
Scissors;
Foil, magazines, fabric scraps, bits of wool (optional)
Weblink
Information about the author, Jeannie Baker, and her work.
Session 5 Taking action for the rainforest
Objectives
Geography
- To identify possible actions that people can take to help protect the rainforest.
- To participate actively in collaborative conversations and decision-making.
- To plan an action to help protect the rainforest.
Enquiry question
What action can we take to help protect the rainforest?
Outcomes
Children will:
- Identify some possible actions that could be taken to help protect the rainforest.
- Consider and rank different actions according to their relative ease and impact.
- Plan an action that we could take to help protect the rainforest.
Lesson Planning
Provided Resources
You Will Also Need
Sticky notes or small pieces of paper
Coloured paper for cutting out fruits and leaves (optional)
Weblinks
10 things children can do to help save the rainforests (Rainforest Alliance)
Resources from the charity, Size of Wales, which brings people in Wales and beyond together to take action to protect the world’s tropical forests