For the next few weeks, we will be focusing our theme on the rainforest!
Conduct some research on the rainforest using these links below. What interesting facts can you find?
You can view these links or watch the videos below to take a tour of the rainforest!
https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/rainforests.html
English
To complete some research about each of the four layers of the forest, the ‘Forest Floor,’ the ‘Understory,’ the ‘Emergent Layer’ and the ‘Canopy’. Add headings, sub-headings, diagrams, captions and labels to the information. Try to focus on a different layer of the Rainforest each day as there is a lot of detailed information about each one to be explored.
Link with Art/ DT
To make a Rainforest environment featuring each of the four layers of the Rainforest. This could be completed to create a 3d effect inside a show box or could be completed as a 2d picture/ map and labelled using adjectives to describe each of the layers as an alternative. A page per layer can look effective!
Maths- Measures
Volume and capacity- use a measuring jug to find out what 1 litre of ‘Rainforest’ water would look like.
Then select at least 5 different containers and predict which will hold the most water, explaining the reasoning. Measure the water into them accurately to the nearest ml and re ordering them according to the results if necessary. Consider if there were any surprises?
You can view the maths resources area for more support on capacity and volume.
Length- Use approx 5 to 10 pieces of string, ribbon or strips of paper. Number them 1 to 10 for e.g. Cut each one to a different length within 1 metre. Then measure them as the Rainforest snakes! Which snake is the longest, which is the shortest? Order them and make comparisons between the lengths, what is the difference between the lengths of the snakes?
Counting, Addition and Subtraction
Use number lines to add and subtract numbers- use Rainforest monkeys to support the context.
Year 2- add and subtract from 2 digit numbers, use number lines to support counting forwards and back from starting numbers.
Reasoning- Solve 2 step problems e.g. 24 monkeys swing in the trees, 12 monkeys leave but another 6 return later. How many are still in the forest?
Year 1- add 1 and 2 digit numbers to 20. Use pictorial representations, number lines and objects to help. Solve 1 step problems such as 7 = ? – 9
Geography
To find out about the location of Rainforests, identify them on a map or globe.
Temperature- To understand that Rainforests are in hotter climates. Find out and make comparisons with the temperature taken outside at different points over the course of one day or alternatively at the same time each day over a week.
PSHE
To discuss the importance of looking after the natural environment. Is it morally acceptable to destroy parts of the Rainforest? Make a poster raising awareness of the importance of looking after our natural world.
Science- Habitats
Investigate the Rainforest habitat of one creature. Draw a picture of them in their special habitat and explain more about it. Why is this creature suited to their environment? In which layer of the Rainforest do they like to live and why?