Rain Forest Resources

Why teach students about the rain forest?

The rain forests of our planet are in grave danger. Each day, thousands of acres are being destroyed to make room for crops, roads, buildings, and mining. Other trees are cut down for lumber and other products. The problem is that rain forest habitats take centuries to develop, so those that are cut down are lost to our generation  forever. Our rain forests are important because they provide oxygen for the earth, homes for animals, and products like medicines and food. When they are destroyed, the area often becomes a desert and soil erosion becomes a problem. Even global weather systems are affected by rain forest destruction!

Lessons for Exploring the Rain Forest

One way that we can help is to teach students about the rain forest and why it's important. Most students don't realize they ways that rain forests in other parts of the world actually impact the entire earth. One way they can study about the rain forest is to take part in the Tropical Treasure Hunt activity which is an Internet search for information. You'll also find loads of additional thematic activities in my book, Exploring the Tropical Rain Forest, available from www.kaganonline.com. Tropical Treasure Hunt is just one of the many cooperative learning activities designed to engage your students in the study of the rain forest.

Free Sample Lessons from Exploring the Rain Forest:

Create A Creature: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3
Tropical Treasure Hunt

Rain Forest Organizations

I used to recommend the Adopt-an-Acre project by the Earth Foundation, but unfortunately, that organization has gone out of business. However, there are many more organizations that involve students in activities to save the rain forests. The Rain Forest Action Network is one such site, as is the Rain Forest Alliance. These organizations describe many ways you and your students can get involved and make a difference.

Exploring the Tropical Rain Forest
Through Cooperative Learning
by Laura Candler

I've always been fascinated with the rain forest, and I've enjoyed teaching a rain forest unit in my classroom for many years. So I created a book of integrated, thematic rain forest activities. You can teach a whole month's worth of lessons from this one resource! This book is available from www.kaganonline.com.