Title: Saving the World’s Rainforests
Source: SU09-9467-9a
Date: 19 April 2009
Grade: 9-10
Subject: Environment
URL: http://www.newsy.com/videos/saving_the_world_s_rainforests
Teacher Information:
Teacher Information: This lesson deals with the
effects of deforestation in the rainforest and its
effects on the environment. Prior knowledge of the
rainforest and erosion will need to be introduced
before doing this lesson. Other resource may need to
be used to finish KWL chart.
Preparation
As a whole group fill in the “K” of a KWL chart.
Answering the question What we know about effects of
deforestation of the rainforest. Come up with at least
five things.
10 minutes
Using prior knowledge about the rainforest and
erosion, fill in the “W” of the KWL chart. This will
answer the question What we want to know about
deforestation in the rainforest.
5 minutes
Saving the World’s Rainforests
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Title: Saving the World’s Rainforests
Watch
In whole group watch the Newsy.com story Saving the World’s
Rainforests.
http://www.newsy.com/videos/saving_the_world_s_rainforests
1:58 minutes
Compare
Using the “KWL” chart, ask the students to compare the information in
the Newsy story to what they knew before watching “Saving the World’s
Rainforests” Mark consistent information with a plus sign (+). Mark
inconsistent information with a minus sign (-). Mark unaddressed
information with a question mark (?).
5 minutes
Answer
Using the “KWL” chart, ask the students to provide answers to
questions that were addressed in the Newsy story. (It may help to
provide copies of the transcript.) This information and answer should go
in the “L” section of the chart across from the question.
5 minutes
Discussion
Using the unanswered questions, fill in the “L” in the KWL chart. What
we have learned about deforestation in the rainforest and its effects on
the environment. Then discuss other questions that came up from the
video and discussion.
20 minutes





What is the economic impact of deforestation?
What might be some alternative sources of income for the
people that cut down the trees to survive?
What are the pros and cons of deforestation of the rainforest?
Why do we need to stop deforestation?
What are ways we can help add to the rainforest?
Extended Learning Activities – Optional

Enrichment – Divide students into groups of 3-4 and provide them with a region known for excessive
deforestation. The group should create a poster identifying the geographic region, a summary of the
economy, and the history of deforestation in the region. After completing the poster the class should do
a gallery walk to view the student work. Discuss the findings as a class.

Parent Involvement – Instruct students to ask their parents the following question. “Are you concerned
about the impact of deforestation or is the impact on our environment exaggerated by environmental
groups?” Students should share the answers in class and discuss the responses.
Saving the World’s Rainforests
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Looking for related resources? Check out…
Habitat: Rainforests | eThemes | eMINTS (grades 3-9)
These sites are about tropical and temperate rainforests. Experience the sights and sounds of rainforests in the U.S.,
Tasmania, and South America. Includes activities, puzzles, movies, and a game. There are links to eThemes Resources on
Brazil, the children's book "The Great Kapok Tree," and habitats.
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000684.shtml
Nature: Balance Between Humans and Nature | eThemes | eMINTS (grades 6-8)
How do we sustain the balance between human needs and nature's beauty? These sites explore this theme and provide
information on human impact on the environment, conservation, National Parks, sustainability, consumption, and
invasive species. There are maps, slideshows, factsheets, and more. Included are eThemes resources on habitats and
renewable energy sources.
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001992.shtml
Causes of Deforestation | World Rain Forest Movement (grades 9-12)
A website that identifies the main causes of deforestation.
http://www.wrm.org.uy/deforestation/index.html
Global Deforestation | Global Change (grades 9-12)
A webpage that provides a history of deforestation and options to curb deforestation in the future.
http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/deforest/deforest.html
Tropical Rainforests: Imperiled Riches – Threatened Rainforests | Mongabay (grades 9-12)
Statistics of worldwide global deforestation.
http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0801.htm
Forest Holocaust | National Geographic (grades 3-8)
A website identifying the consequences of global deforestation.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/eye/deforestation/effect.html
Tropical Deforestation | National Geographic (grades 3-8)
Overview of the effects of tropical deforestation.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Deforestation/
How Deforestation Works | HowStuffWorks (grades 3-8)
Simple visual explanation on how deforestation occurs.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/deforestation.htm
Saving the World’s Rainforests
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