ANIMALS OF THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
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 a day become extinct.
TASK ONE
The Indianapolis 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 the Indianapolis Zoo
and go to one of the large rainforests in South America, Africa, or
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:
Kids' Action: Rainforest Animals
PROCESS
1. Go to each Internet site to find animals from the rainforest and begin making a list.
2. Search for answers to the questions about the 5 animals you selected.
3. Pretend you are preparing the information to show to zoo administrators. Report your findings in a report form or prepare a hyperstudio presentation.
TASK TWO
We will be making a rainforest in the media center. Select an animal to draw.
RESOURCES
Using the book Draw!Rainforest Animals, by Doug DuBosque, 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 color 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 in the media center rainforest.
RESOURCES
Here is an Internet site which may help you find 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 hyperstudio 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! Visit these sites to help protect rainforests:
BY DIANE ZENTZ
July 8, 1997
Last Updated January 2005, by Trisha Armstrong
dzentz@iquest.net