Explore the Amazon Rainforest With Science-Based Research, Presentations & More

In this 16-session course on the Amazon Rainforest, students will ultimately gain knowledge of deforestation, depletion of resources, and consider conservation of the Rainforest.  

Students will begin by learning where and what classifies a rainforest, then read a book (The Great Kapok Tree) as an introduction to the course.  They will then take a journey deep into the riches this special landscape has to offer by learning about the weather, climate, insects, animals, and resources held within its glorious greenery.  Learners will hone critical thinking, teamwork, analysis, and more skills while becoming aware of a world and a problem outside of their own existence.

There will be 3 research projects during the course in which learners will gain knowledge of how and what research material is trusted rather than relying on a Google search, create visual presentations in a small group, and give a formal presentation to the class. Students will have specific roles within their research groups to fulfill.  The groups and roles will change for each presentation. 

In the final classes, students will learn proper etiquette for academic discussions and conduct a whole-class discussion about what they have learned and their view on the conservation of the rainforest. 

Group, peer-to-peer, and teacher communication are encouraged in all classes.  Gentle guidance with suggestions, hints, recalling knowledge, prompting, and promoting learners to think through a question define the teaching style. The goal is for students to learn something new every day and have fun doing it. Classes are designed to be as interactive as possible. We will use videos, lectures, slide presentations, discussions, lectures, and games throughout the course to learn the material.

All material will be given to the students by the teacher during the live class or on the Outschool platform.  A google account is encouraged to make working on Google docs, slides, forms, etc, easier to access and share.  It is suggested that students get a copy of The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry. 

The breakdown of each session is as follows:

Session 1: Introduction
Session 2: The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, reading 1
Session 3: 2 Layers
Session 4: Research Groups (Expectations and Assignments- 2 more layers)
Session 5: Presentation 1
Session 6: Weather and Climate
Session 7: Birds and Bugs
Session 8: Big and Bitty Animals
Session 9: Research Groups (chose an animal)
Session 10: Presentation 2
Session 11: Resources: Food, Medicine, Oil, Materials
Session 12: Resources, Deforestation, and Conservation
Session 13: Research Groups (Identity Problems and Propose Solutions)
Session 14: Presentation 3
Session 15: The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, reading 2 (How has the meaning changed?), Discussion Etiquette
Session 16: Class Discussion- Knowledge and Views