Activity 2 - Viewing the Rainforest

Focus
North Queensland’s wet tropical rainforest is a unique habitat. It requires certain geographical features and weather conditions and it has specialised relationships between animals and plants.

Background
Several short video segments highlight the features and cycles of the tropical rainforest:

• Our Tropical Rainforest
• Rainforest Features
• The Water Cycle
• Photosynthesis: the energy cycle

The following fact sheets may also provide useful reading for students:

• Canopy Fact Sheet
• Climbing Strategies Fact Sheet
• Climax and Pioneer Plants Fact Sheet
• Leaf Shapes Fact Sheet
Light in the Rainforest

Pedagogy/teaching strategies
The videos may be viewed in total as an orientation to the rainforest unit or as short segments relevant to particular topics.

Activity sequence
1. After viewing the DVDs, students identify an image from the image library (then click on the Photos icon) that best represents the area. Students justify their choices.

2. Review the videos Our Tropical Rainforest and Rainforest Features. List the identifying characteristics of a rainforest.

Our Tropical Rainforest
Rainforest Features

3. Review Photosynthesis: the energy cycle.

Photosynthesis: the energy cycle

Draw and label the Photosynthesis Activity Sheet showing the photosynthesis process.

4. Refer to the Rainforest Rave Poster.

5. Use an Inside Outside Circle Technique to share new information.

7. Learning Journal entry. Suggested headings could include Structure, Function, Rare and endemic species, Aesthetics and importance. Students include additional information gathered from videos, poster and sharing circle activities.