In this Web Quest, you will journey to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon in South America. You will explore the geography, culture and lifestyle of the people, plant life, animal life, climate, and environment. You will encounter groups that are destroying the rainforest for profit and for survival. You will also encounter a group that is using the resources of the rainforest without destroying it. You will create a journal as you travel through this web of information. Through your journal entries, you will discuss all the below listed areas. 

The Task

The class will divide up into groups of four students. Each student will be the tourguide for a section of the journey and be responsible for the journal entry for that area. The other students in the group will gather the information along the way.

Your group will create a travel journal.  Each group will have specific questions to answer based on their topic.  Your teacher will give those questions to you.

The Process

1.  Students will be put into groups according to the topics below. 
2.  Students will research based on the different topics assigned.  The group will have specific questions they must answer. 
3.  After researching, students will organize information into a travel journal.  The group will create one journal with all information.
4.  After students create the travel journal, each student will be given a specific area within their topic to create a presentation for the class.  The student will have an organizer to use for their information.  They will present this information to the class. 

You will complete research in four areas of study concerning the tropical rainforests.

Cultures and Customs: You will research the indigenous peoples of the Amazon area and also the outside groups living there and utilizing the natural resources. You will gather information about the economic and social conditions of this area.

Geography and Climate: You will study the geography and climate of the Earth's green belt and define the different types of rainforests.

Animals and Plants: You will explore the biodiversity of the rainforest ecosystem.

Environmental Issues: You will investigate the many benefits of healthy, thriving rainforests. You will explore the many resources derived from the rainforests and the effect of their harvest and use, if any, on the environment.

 

Resources

Use books, encyclopedias, Internet, anything you can find!!!

Links Page-Click here to see a TON of links for your research!

Conclusion

The completion of this Web Quest will demonstrate:
  1. Knowledge of the geography, climate and biodiversity of the tropical rainforest ecosystem.
  2. An awareness of the indigenous people of the tropical rainforest and an understanding of their culture.
  3. An understanding of the economic and social issues surrounding the use of tropical rainforest natural resources.
  4. An awareness of the global environmental impact of deforestation.

     

Have a fun and enlightening trip!