California Academy of Science
Tropical Belt
Where in the world is the equator? Explore a world map with your class, coloring in oceans, continents, and rainforests while locating the three major lines of latitude: the equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn. Discuss how...
Curated OER
Why Does the Cocoa Tree Need a Tropical Rainforest to Grow?
Fourth graders explore the requirements a cocoa plant needs to survive. They research where chocolate comes from and how humans can affect the growth of cocoa trees. Students create a 3-D model of a cocoa tree and compare and contrast...
Curated OER
Tropical Deforestation
In this natural resources worksheet, students read a 1-page article about tropical deforestation and then respond to 11 short answer questions. Students then write a memo on deforestation and select 1 of 3 assessment activities to complete.
Curated OER
Teaching about the Rainforest - Classroom Ideas
Students are introduced to the tropical rainforest through different ways that catch their attention such as: Visit a local botanical garden or conservatory so that students can see the variety of tropical plants in the world. They...
Curated OER
Deforestation
Students identify the different tropical rainforests in the world using a map. In this ecology instructional activity, students describe the different methods of deforestation. They create a memo and present it to class.
California Academy of Science
Plants: Hanging Tough
Learning about the rainforest can be more fun than you think. The class discusses vocabulary-in-context as they cut cardboard boxes, destined to become part of a rainforest model. Small groups of children color, cut, and construct...
Curated OER
Extinction Is Forever
Young scholars observe models of two kinds of forests with low and high biodiversity. They observe and record the effects of habitat destruction or extinction rates. They also conduct research about mass extinction like that of the...
Curated OER
Dr. Green's Rainforest Mystery
Third graders create a brochure describing all of the information researched about a specific animal. Using this information, create a 3-D model of the animal and its habitat that could later be used to design an appropriate living...
Tech Know Teaching
5th Grade Constructed Response Question
New to constructed response question worksheets? Here's a model that demonstrates how to construct questions that require readers to interpret graphics found in informational text.
PreKinders
Poison Dart Frogs
Learn about the poison dart frogs of the rainforest with a slide show that features facts and pictures. Each slide educates viewers about poison dart frogs, such as where they live, what they eat, and how they are poisonous.