• Unit Topic or Theme: Biomes Around the World
  • Grade:5
  • Lesson Topic or Theme: Rain Forest
  • Lesson Objectives: (The student will be able to ....)
  • The student will be able to compare and contrast different biomes.
  • The student will be able to describe the unique characteristics of the tropical rainforest.
  • The student will be able to describe unique wildlife found in that biome.
  • The student will be able to discuss the importance of protecting the rainforest.
  • The student will be able to complete research on their own to find information about the rainforest.
  • Instructional Technique: (group work, debate, discussion, lecture, experiment, demonstration, etc.)
  • Lecture and group discussion
  • Book readings
  • Research Project
  • Group Presentation Project
  • Website Activity
  • Writing Prompts
  • Video Viewing
  • Final Rainforest Quiz
  • Instructional Materials: (provide specific bibliographic information and/or copies of handouts, instructional sheets etc.)
  • Rainforest Website
  • Biomes of the World: Tropical Rainforests
  • One Small Square: Tropical Rainforest
  • The Great Kapok Tree
  • A Walk in the Rainforest
  • Rainforest for Children: Animals of the Rainforest (video)
  • The Magic School Bus: In the Rainforest (video)
  • Theoretical Perspective: Academic rationalism. Why is this information important for your students to learn? (content focus of the lesson)
  • This information is important for students to learn because there are several different biomes around the world and each one is different and unique to its location. Students should know that these differences exist and the environment of the rest of the world is not the same as theirs. Students will be able to apply this knowledge and develop empathy for other types of environments and lifestyles. Students should also learn about the rainforests specifically because of the deforestation and depletion that is occurring everyday. The students will be able to take what they learn and understand that it is important to protect the rainforests and the reasons why they need to be protected.
  • ISTE Standards: List relevance to ISTE standards for students.
  • Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively. (1)
  • Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use. (2)
  • Use telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, Web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)
  • Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources. (6)
  • Curriculum Frameworks: List relevance to Mass. Curriculum Frameworks "Standard" or "Strand"
  • Describe how organisms meet some of their needs in an environment by using behaviors (patterns of activities) in response to information (stimuli) received from the environment. Recognize that some animal behaviors are instinctive (e.g., turtles burying their eggs), and others are learned (e.g., humans building fires for warmth, chimpanzees learning how to use tools).
  • Give examples of how inherited characteristics may change over time as adaptations to changes in the environment that enable organisms to survive, e.g., shape of beak or feet, placement of eyes on head, length of neck, shape of teeth, color.
  • Give examples of ways in which organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem that enable the ecosystem to survive.
  • Identify ways in which ecosystems have changed throughout geologic time in response to physical conditions, interactions among organisms, and the actions of humans. Describe how changes may be catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions or ice storms.
  • Procedure: (As a teacher, what will you and the students do.)
  1. Introductory Activity (if applicable)

Day One:

  • To introduce the student to the tropical rainforest begin by reading the students the book The Great Kapok Tree.
  • When you have read the book to the student ask some questions to activate the students’ prior knowledge and enhance their comprehension.
  • What is it like in the rainforest? What is the environment like?
  • What are some animals that can be found in the rainforest? (ones that are mentioned in the book and also that you can think of)
  • Why is it important to protect the rainforest?
  • Where are rainforests located around the world?
  • Once you have read the story and discussed these questions begin a short lecture on the tropical rainforest. Discuss:
  • The wildlife (animals and plant life)
  • Characteristics (how does the rainforest differ from other biomes)
  • Importance of protecting the rainforest

B. Step-by-step (descriptive outline)

Day Two:

  • Begin today’s lesson by showing the video The Magic School Bus: In the Rainforest.
  • After the movie is finished have the students write a story. Prompt the students by suggesting that they write a story about an adventure they would have if they were exploring the rainforest. Ask the students to include things that they may see or hear. Make sure they add as much details as possible.
  • Have the students write for about 15 minutes and then ask them to finish their story for homework.
  • After having the students write break them up into groups that will work together on a research project.
  • The students can choose their own topic as long as it is related to the rainforest.
  • Bring the students to the library and give them a half hour to research and explore their topic.

Day Three:

  • To start today’s lesson give the students’ time to work on their projects with their partners.
  • After about a half hour direct the students’ attention to the rainforest website.
  • Have the students go through the website and read the information that can be found by clicking on “Learn More!”

C. Closure

Day Four:

  • To end the lesson, have the students watch the movie,Rainforest for Children: Animals of the Rainforest.
  • Once the movie is over have the students begin to present their group projects.

Day Five:

  • To end the lesson the student will have a quiz that asks the students questions on the environment, animals, and plants found in the website.

D. Adaptations for different learners (i.e. non-native speakers, struggling readers or math phobic learners, students with poor study skills)

  • The students will be working in pairs which will help students who struggle with public speaking and need support in social interaction.
  • There will also be other projects that the students can present that are not a written paper for the project. The students could come up with an alternative project.

E. Homework

  • The students will have to research their topic for their project and also complete anything for their project that they were unable to finish in class.
  • Students will also have to finish their writing response if they did not finish in class.
  • The students will be expected to study their materials for the quiz.
  • Evaluation:

A. How/ when will you determine if you have met your objectives?

  • What will students be able to do and/or show you at the end of the lesson that lets you know they have learned?
  • The students will have to show their understanding of the material through a written response. They will be expected to include 3 to 5 different animals and plants they would see on their adventure. They would also have to apply what they know to describe the environment.
  • The students will also have to complete a research project. They will have to present in front of the class and hand in a written paper or an alternative project that relates to their topic.
  • The students will have to take a rainforest quiz and receive a grade of 75% or higher.
  • What will you use to document this?
  • The students will have to hand in a hard copy of their written response and they will hand in their quiz.
  • The students will have to present their project in front of the class and also hand in a paper or an alternative project.

B. Concerns or questions you have about teaching this lesson?

  • Will the students have an understanding of the material within the five days that the lesson will take place?