CBBC
CBBC Newsround
A burned area of the Amazon rain forest
Overview
The Amazon rainforest is being given extra protection, because the Brazilian government is worried about how quickly it is being destroyed.
Students answer a quiz on rainforests and plan an advertising campaign to let consumers know the effect their purchases are having on the environment.
Learning aims
Read out this story to the class, then have a go at our rainforest quiz.
select this link to read about the new bid to save the rainforest
QUIZ: RAINFORESTS
Squirrel monkey (Juan Pratginestos/WWW-Brazil) select this link for the quiz Enter Rainforest quiz
Students test their knowledge of rainforests with this quiz:
Answers: 1c 2a 3c 4d 5b 6b 7a 8a.
Main activity
DEFORESTATION FACTSHEET
Amazon rainforest destruction (Picture: VT Freeze Frame) For FACTSHEET, select this link
These statements about the effects of deforestation are all mixed up. Students put them in the correct order:
They are available as a printable worksheet to cut up and order.
A. Trees are removed.
B. New trees grow more slowly and there are less species.
C. Soil is now less fertile and the unprotected surface becomes dry and compacted.
D. Trees do not protect soil so nutrients are washed out by the rain.
E. It is hard for rain to soak into the soil, so flooding may occur.
Correct order:
A. Trees are removed.
D. Trees do not protect soil so nutrients are washed out by the rain.
C. Soil is now less fertile and the unprotected surface becomes dry and compacted.
E. It is hard for rain to soak into the soil, so flooding may occur.
B. New trees grow more slowly and there are less species.
Education campaign
Working in groups, students devise an advertising campaign that lets people in the UK know that their purchases (including some makes of ice cream, margarines, mayonnaise, and lipstick) will change the rainforest environment.
Elements of the campaign:
For background information, students can also print off the fact sheet which contains:
Students sketch a club-style flyer to complement the campaign.
Plenary
Students present their ideas to the group and receive feedback.
Ask students: Can people who buy products (consumers) influence the way retailers behave to make sure they are environmentally responsible? How?
Teachers' background
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
The Amazon rainforest For our guide to global warming, select this link For our guide on endangered animals, select this link For our deforestation fact sheet, select this link
It is estimated that 7.5 million hectares of rainforest are being cut down each year - that is the same as 20 football pitches every minute.
However, there is an area of rainforest the size of western Europe remaining in South America.
Click on the links in the blue box for other Newsround resources on the global environment.
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