Rainforests: Temperate and Tropical

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

There are two types of rainforest in the world - temperate and tropical. Temperate rainforests can be found in North America. Tropical rainforests are near the equator in Central and South America. Both types of rainforest are disappearing at an alarming rate. In this WebQuest you will explore the types of rainforests found in North, Central, and South America. You will compare and contrast the two types of forest and learn about the plant life that flourishes there.

The Task

Your task is to use the information from the website to:

• compare and contrast a tropical and temperate rainforest.
• find out why rainforests are disappearing and why they should be preserved.
• discover plants that live in both types of rainforests.
• create a multimedia presentation with text, graphics and sounds to report your findings.

The Process

Read all directions before you begin your work!!

Activity 1: Rainforest WebQuest

• View and print the Rainforest Web Guide.
• Click on Resources. Choose The Evergreen Project - Rainforests of the World.
• Click on the links at the web site to find the information for your web guide.

Activity 2: Write your report

Use your notes, VENN Diagram and answers to the questions in the Web Guide to write your report. Your report should include at least one paragraph on each of the following:

• Descriptions of both temperate and tropical rainforests
• Location of both temperate and tropical rainforests
• Reasons why the rainforests are disappearing and why they should be preserved
• Information about 1 tropical rainforest plant
• Information about 1 temperate rainforest plant
  

Activity 3: Use HyperStudio to create a Presentation on Rainforests of the Americas

Your HyperStudio presentation will have:

• 7 cards, one each on the following topics:
  Title with buttons to other cards
  Tropical Rainforest
  A Tropical Rainforest Plant
  Temperate Rainforest
  A Temperate Rainforest Plant
  The Disappearing Rainforest
  References
  
• Each card must include buttons, text and graphics. The graphics can be hand drawn, computer draw, or photographs from the web site.

Resources

Rainforest Web Guide

The Evergreen Project - Rainforests of the World

VENN Diagram

Evaluation

The Rainforest Web Guide will be evaluated for accuracy.

The HyperStudio presentation will be evaluated based on the following:

• Work is completed on time.
• Presentation includes text and graphics.
• Written work is paraphrased.
• Spelling and grammar are correct.
• Information is accurate and appropriate..
• Presentation is informative.

Conclusion

Upon completion of this Rainforest project, students will know the difference between a temperate and a tropical rainforest. They will know about the plants that are found in these forests. Hopefully they will have a greater understanding as to the importance of the rainforest to the global ecosystem and why this resource should be preserved.

Rainforest: Temperate and Tropical was created by Cindy Cooper, Technology Specialist at Oak View Elementary School (Guilford County Schools), High Point, NC

GCS WebQuests