Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Why is it called a "rain"forest?

We assume that the Rainforest biome got it's name because it rains alot there. But just how much does it rain? Use this link to find out exactly how much rain certain rainforests get. You can even find where we live on the map and see how our locations rain amount compares. I have given you the link for the rainfall comparison of the Amazon Rainforest and the North Eastern Part of the US (which is where we live). Please not the rainfall amount they are using is FEET!! The website has used a child to help show just how much rain falls. What I want you to do is write a comparison using something other than a child. For example I could say "In Buffalo, we get about two baseball bats length worth of rain in a year. The Amazon Rainforest gets about 4 baseball bats length! This task might be easier if you find something in your home to compare it to. You are all about 4 feet tall, which will give you a good estimate. Anything you can find to create a visual is great! Use those math estimation skills and write down your comparison by commenting on this post.

Rainfall comparision

Rainforest Animals

Today you are going to explore some of the different animals that live in the Rainforest. Use the website to read some nonfiction texts and pictures. How do the real animals of the Rainforest compare to those you've seen on TV or in movies, say Madagascar? After reading about the animals, watch the short clip from the movie Madagascar and see the similarities and differences. I want you to try to decide what animals each of the characters in Madagascar are suppose to represent. Leave your comments on this post. Enjoy, there are some very interesting creatures living in the Rainforest!

animal website

animal website

Deforestation

Please use the follow link to explore the question- Why are the Rainforests disappearing? Click around on the website to read about many different aspects of deforestation- or cutting down of the trees in the Rainforest. Why are the trees so important to Rainforests? What is the main cause of deforestation? After exploring this website, write your answers by commenting on this post!

http://kids.mongabay.com/elementary/501.html

Fern Gully



Today we are going to watch a popular video that shows the issues of deforestation in the Rainforest. Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest came out in 1992 and was very popular when I was a child! Please watch the sections of the video I have posted for you here and please notice the scenery of the movie. Use the chart attached to write down similarities and differences of a real Rainforest in Fern Gully. Also, please take a few notes about the deforestation that is occurring. Your notes will help you out in the next assignment!

Rainforest Plants

Hello Explorers! Today I would like you to take all your Rainforest knowledge and write a persuasive letter to help stop deforestation. You may choose to also include a PowerPoint, video, poster or other visual representation, but it must be accompanied by a persuasive letter written to a logging company etc. Your job is to give these companies reasons why their businesses are hurting the Rainforests. Use proper letter format and give good backup using all the websites and information you have seen so far. Be creative!