Inquiry Learning Project
We’re Going on an Expedition…
to the Rainforest!
Teachers click here
Goals
During this WebQuest, you will learn about parts of the rainforest and how animals use its natural resources to meet their needs. You will also learn about why it is important to protect the rainforest.
Process
Step 1: What is the Rainforest?
With your partner–> It is your job to learn some of the things you can find in a rainforest. Your goal in step 1 is to find out the strata, or layers of the rainforest. Click on this website to begin your research: All About Rainforests
By yourself–> Next, open TuxPaint and create a painting of a rainforest. In your painting, you must type the names of each of the strata of the rainforest in the correct place. Need help? Click here and use the picture for help!
Step 2: How Do Animals Meet Their Needs in the Rainforest?
With your partner–> Now, your job is to find out where animals live in the rainforest. On your strata chart, you will record the names of animals next to the name of strata where they live. Later, we will be talking about why they live where they do. Think about what resources the animals need to survive!
When you are ready, go to Rainforest Animals. Click on the yellow eyes to read about the different animals.
Step 3: Why is the Rainforest Important?
With your partner–> Listen carefully as we read The Great Kapok tree together. The animals in the book give many reasons why the man should not cut down the tree. In step 3, it is your job to find out at least 4 reasons why it is important for us to protect the rainforests. Use your Why We Should Save the Rainforest web and fill at least 4 outside circles. Add more if you can! Go to Why Save the Rain Forest? to start your research.
Step 4: Write a Letter
By yourself–> When you have completed your web, you will choose the three most important reasons to protect the rain forest. You will write a letter to the man in The Great Kapok Tree to convince him not to cut down the tree. Your letter must have a greeting, body, and closing. It must have a topic sentence and include the 3 most important reasons why rain forests should be protected.
Learn More
Learn even more about the rainforest by exploring these websites:
http://www.rainforesteducation.com/ForKids/Intro.htm Take a tour with pictures!
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids/ Stories, picture slideshows, and animal facts
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/photos/tropical-rainforests/ Lots of pictures of tropical rainforests