Understand the four main layers of a rainforest. Find out about the plants and the creatures that grow in the different layers and how they are adapted to live there. Create a classroom display of ‘Rainforest
Layers’ and write miniature factual books. Construct group dioramas illustrating the different layers that make up a rainforest.
Block B: Layers of The
Rainforest
[4 sessions]
By the end of this block you will have achieved the following outcomes:
Main outcome of topic: Geography
Other outcomes: Science, ICT , DT, English and Art

To locate vegetation belts around the world.

Locate the world’s countries concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical characteristics.

Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant.

Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways.

Develop art techniques, including use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art.

To choose relevant information to create a non-fiction non-chronological report.

Use search technologies for locating information relevant to suggested themes.

Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria.

Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks.

Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria.
Children will

Explore the layers of the rainforests.
 Identify features of each layer of the rainforest.
 Develop scientific understanding of plants living in certain parts of the rainforest.
Session 1
Geography and Science
What are the layers in a tropical rainforest?
Learn about the different layers of the rainforest from videos and other images before creating your own diagrams.
Session 2
Geography, Science, and Art
Which plants grow where?
Consolidate your understanding of the four layers of the rainforest through painting and collage activities that result in a large classroom art display.
Children will
 Explore the layers of the rainforests.

Experiment with various art techniques to create an effect.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’) have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton
Trust) and to the best of Hamilton Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links, changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links.
Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use. Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.

Session 3
Geography, ICT, Science and
English
Who has a home there?
Understand how the animals and creatures of the rainforest are adapted to live there and write miniature factual books.
Session 4
Geography and DT
The Forest in 3D
Create group dioramas of the four layers of the rainforest using the knowledge you have gained during this block.
Children will

Appreciate that different animals live in different parts of the rainforest and the reasons for this.

Research animals of the rainforest and understand that some are endangered.

Create non-fiction books on the animals using the features of non-chronological writing.
Children will

Use the knowledge that different plants and animals live in different parts of the rainforest and the reasons for this.

Plan a 3D scene for a rainforest.
 Create a diorama using various design and making skills.
 Evaluate their work and the work of others.
Session 1
Provided: Layers of the rainforest presentation; Photo and image for locating layers; Photos for sorting;
Layers of the rainforest resource.
You will need: Non-fiction books on the rainforests; A4 paper; Glue; Scissors.
Session 2
Provided: Display photos and photos of layers; Collage technique resource); Pastels technique.
You will need: Non-fiction books on the rainforests; Pastels; Art paper (A4); Black sugar paper; Collage materials; Glue.
Session 3
Provided: Animals of the rainforest presentation; Folded bookmaking guide; Bookmaking template in
A3.
You will need: Non-fiction books on the rainforests; Small whiteboards and pens; A3 paper for bookmaking Computers/Tablets.
Session 4
Provided: Rainforest diorama guide; Planning and evaluating resource; Images of dioramas.
You will need: Non-fiction books on the rainforests.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’) have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton
Trust) and to the best of Hamilton Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links, changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links.
Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use. Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.