KS4 Geography - ecosystems: Rainforest
The rainforest is one of the most biodiverse and fragile ecosystems on the planet. What are the characteristics of a rainforest ecosystem? Why are our rainforests so vulnerable?
Level
Duration
Allocated space
Overview
The rainforest is one of the most biodiverse and fragile ecosystems on the planet. What are the characteristics of a rainforest ecosystem? Why are our rainforests so vulnerable?
Investigate this key global question in the “rainforest” in one of our iconic glasshouses.
How is the rainforest of value to people and the environment? Why is this precious ecosystem under threat? Pupils will research and gain evidence to answer these key questions, whilst exploring and analysing potential solutions to current global issues.
Please note, elements of this session will be delivered outside.
Learning outcomes
Pupils will be able to:
- Understand how climate and other factors influence the distribution of ecosystems.
- Define the physical characteristics of a tropical rainforest.
- Recognise the importance of and current threats to the tropical rainforest, including deforestation.
- Describe measures to manage and maintain tropical rainforests globally.
- Understand the interactions between the biotic and abiotic components and explain how plants are adapted to these extreme conditions.
We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.
Keywords:
Ecosystem, tropical, humidity, adaptation, epiphyte, deforestation, exploitation, resource, biodiversity, sustainability, conservation
Curriculum links
AQA - Geography
3.1.2: The Living World
3.1.2.2: Tropical rainforests
Edexcel A - Geography
Topic 3: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management – 3.4 a, b, c and 3.5 a, b, c, d
Edexcel B - Geography
Topic 8: Forests under threat – 8.1 a, b, 8.3 a, b, 8.5 a, b
OCR A - Geography
2.1: Ecosystems of the Planet
- 2.1.2: Ecosystems have distinct distributions and characteristics
- 2.1.3: There are major tropical rainforests in the world
- 2.1.5: Bio-diverse ecosystems are under threat from human activity
OCR B - Geography
Topic 4: Sustaining Ecosystems
- 4.1: What are ecosystems?
- 4.2: Why should tropical rainforests matter to us?
Skills:
Atlas and map skills
- Use of world maps to show the location of global biomes and the distribution of resources
Graphical skills
- extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate information
- Use and interpret aerial, oblique, ground and satellite photographs from a range of different landscapes
Cognitive skills
- Non-routine problem solving, Systems thinking, Critical thinking
Interpersonal skills
- Communication, Relationship-building skills and Collaborative problem solving
