Sky Rainforest Rescue
WORKING
TOGETHER TO
HELP SAVE
1 BILLION TREES
Guidance
for teachers1
What is I Amazon
for primary schools?
The Amazon rainforest is amazing. Home to one in 10 of all the wild species on Earth, it’s a unique
and irreplaceable ecosystem. To celebrate this, Sky and WWF have developed I Love Amazon for
primary schools, an exciting, free, and flexible set of activities that gives pupils aged 5 to 11, the
chance to explore the Amazon rainforest.
By exploring this incredible natural wonder we hope
that your pupils will:
• become aware of its importance
• learn about some of the dangers facing it
• understand what we can do to help protect it
Run activities when it suits you
I Love Amazon for primary schools is incredibly
flexible and can be run at any time during the year.
The activities could be delivered as part of a collapsed
curriculum week or simply as part of your normal
teaching materials throughout the academic year.
You may also want to link to other events like I Love
Amazon Week (21-27 October 2013), Earth Hour
(29 March 2014) – visit earthhour.wwf.org.uk
or World Environment Day (5 June 2014).
Why not get the whole school involved and show
the Amazon some love?
Brilliant resources
Your resource pack contains curriculum linked
activities that will enable you to achieve important
learning objectives using the Amazon rainforest as a
focus. In addition to the inspiring photo cards provided
with this guide, the activities are also supported by
PowerPoint slides containing background information
and imagery, pupil fact sheets and worksheets.
These supporting resources can be downloaded
for free from sky.com/amazonschoolresources
Whenever you print off a resource, please do print on
recycled or FSC paper. A product carrying the FSC label,
means that the materials used in the product have
come from sustainably managed forests.
2
Making a difference in Brazil
I Love Amazon for primary schools is part of Sky and
WWF’s wider campaign, Sky Rainforest Rescue which
aims to help protect one billion trees in the Amazon
rainforest, in the state of Acre (pronounced ack-ray),
north-west Brazil by making the trees worth more alive
than dead to the communities living there.
Find out more at sky.com/rainforestrescue
Rainforest activities
Subject
Age range
Activity
Page
Assembly
5-11
Assembly grid
6
Geography/Social Studies
5-7
Rainforest produce
8
5-11
Animal research
8
7-11
Finding the rainforests
8
7-11
Rainforest at home
8
7-11
Weather forecast
9
7-11
Conscience alley
9
5-7
Animal descriptions
10
5-7
Where am I?
10
7-11
Postcards from the rainforest
10
7-11
The rainforest hierarchy
11
7-11
Protecting the rainforest
11
7-11
Finish the story
11
7-11
Save the jaguar
11
5-7
Endangered species estimation
12
7-11
Through the tree tops
12
7-11
Endangered data mission
12
7-11
Forest facts and figures
13
7-11
Awesome Amazon animals
13
7-11
Money trees
14
7-11
Rainforest area
14
7-11
Multiple mazes
14
7-11
Time in the tropics
14
7-11
Animal trackers
15
7-11
Rainforest statistics
15
7-11
Monkey puzzle challenge
15
English/Literacy
Mathematics
3
Subject
Age range
Activity
Page
Science
5-7
Which layer?
16
5-7
Sensory table
16
7-11
Identify the animal
17
7-11
Adapted for life
17
7-11
Recreating the rainforest
17
7-11
School nature trail
18
7-11
New discovery
18
7-11
The missing link
18
7-11
The water cycle
19
7-11
The carbon cycle
19
5-7
Create your own amphibian
20
5-7
Symmetry of nature
20
5-7
Rainforest layer mobile
20
5-7
Leaf display
21
5-7
Making a rainmaker
21
5-11
Fruits of the rainforest
21
7-11
Create your own amphibian
22
7-11
My Amazon
22
5-7
Animal movements
24
5-7
Rainforest games
24
7-11
Amazing animals
25
7-11
Sounds of the rainforest
26
7-11
Guess the layer
26
7-11
Lifecycle composition
26
5-7
Amazon SOS
28
5-11
Rainforest pledge
28
7-11
Deforestation in numbers
28
7-11
Rescuing the rainforest
28
7-11
Rainforest role play
29
7-11
Rainforest rights and responsibilities
29
7-11
Thumbometer
29
Art & DT/Technology
Music/Expressive Arts/PE
PSHE/Social Studies
4
The learning
cycle approach
If you are planning to use the I Love Amazon for primary schools resources within a topic on
rainforests, you may want to use the activities as part of a learning cycle. However, you will
know best what will suit your pupils and how the activities might fit with your teaching.
Motivating: Pupils can use
our animal factsheets to
find out about some of the
amazing animals which call
the Amazon home
Building knowledge:
Pupils can watch the ‘Children
of the Amazon’ video to build
their understanding that
people also live in the Amazon
Reflecting:
Pupils are rewarded
for their work on
the Amazon with
certificates and can
also make a pledge
to make a difference
Making links:
Pupils use the
‘Rainforest produce’
or ‘Rainforest at
home’ worksheets
to understand how
their everyday lives
are connected to
rainforests far away
Taking action: Pupils write a letter
expressing their concerns about
deforestation in the ‘Protecting
the rainforest’ activity
Sky Skills
I Love Amazon for primary schools activities also support the key life skills which underpin all Sky’s schools
initiatives. After each activity, can your pupils identify where they’ve used creativity, teamwork, communication,
problem solving and/or self-management?
5
Assembly grid 5-11
Episode
Resources Time
Instructions
Learning objectives
1. Welcome to
the Amazon
Slides 1-18
• Display slides 1–8 which contain
some inspiring images of the
Amazon.
• K
now about the Amazon.
4 mins
• Understand it is home to
many different species.
• Display slide 9 and ask pupils if
they can name any rainforests.
• Introduce the Amazon using slides
10–15 which contain more photos
of the Amazon along with some
amazing facts about it.
• Explain that the Amazon is home
to some very unusual and
important species which only live
here. Use slides 16–18 to show
pictures of these species.
2. Why is the
Amazon in
danger?
Slides 19-28
3. I Love Amazon
for primary
schools
Slides 29-32
2 mins
2 mins
• Use slides 19–25 to explain some
of the dangers which the Amazon
is facing.
• K
now about some of
the dangers which
face the Amazon.
• Use slides 26–28 to explore some
of the reasons that the Amazon is
so important. Explain that if the
Amazon is destroyed then it will
have disastrous consequences not
only for so many species of animals,
but also for humans.
• Understand the
importance of the
Amazon to the world.
• Introduce pupils to I Love Amazon
for primary schools using slides
29–32 and explain that the school
will learn lots more about the
Amazon.
• Understand the aims
of I Love Amazon for
primary schools.
• Explain that I Love Amazon for
primary schools is part of a
programme by Sky and WWF which
aims to help save one billion trees
in the Amazon from destruction!
• You could introduce some of the
activities which you will be doing.
4. What can
we do?
Slide 33-39
4 mins
• Explain that pupils will be learning
about what they can do to help
protect the rainforest.
• Using slides 33–39 introduce pupils
to some of the positive changes
they could make to help protect
the Amazon rainforest.
6
• Understand what we
can do to help protect
the rainforest.
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supporting
resources
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Geography/Social
Studies activities
Rainforest produce
Learning objectives
• To explore everyday products we consume
which are linked to the rainforest
Finding the rainforests
Age
5-7
• Be able to identify where key rainforests can be found
Resources required
• Slides 1–10
• Worksheet 1
Resources required
• Slides 11–16
• Worksheet 2a & b
• World map/globe
Delivery
1. U
se slides 1–10 to explore some of the products
we import from Brazil and find out more about
the cocoa bean.
2. Pupils sequence the series of pictures on the
worksheet and write their own captions to recount
the journey of the cocoa bean from a Brazilian tree
to a chocolate bar.
Animal research
Age
5-11
• Be able to talk about some of the different
animals from the Amazon
Resources required
• Fact sheets 1–3
• Research materials
Delivery
1. A
sk pupils to choose one of the animals from the
Amazon to research (alternatively you could assign
an animal to each pupil).
2. Pupils should use the fact sheets as well as books and
the internet to help with their research. The arkive.org
site is a great online resource which offers imagery
and film alongside factual text content – pupils could
use ‘Amazon’ alongside ‘birds’, ‘reptiles’, ‘mammals’,
‘amphibians’, etc as search terms.
3. They can present their findings to the rest
of the class.
8
Age
7-11
• Understand why tropical rainforests
are found in the tropics
• To learn about the journey of a cocoa bean
from a Brazilian tree to a chocolate bar
Learning objectives
• Understand that there is a huge variety
of different species in the Amazon
Learning objectives
• Know where the tropics are
Delivery
1. Using slides 11–16 and a map or globe, introduce
pupils to the equator and the tropics.
2. Split the class into small groups and hand out
rainforest cards (you will need to print off copies of
worksheet 2a & b and cut out the individual cards
before the lesson. Remember to print on recycled
or FSC paper).
3. Using a map, pupils should identify where the
rainforest on their card is on the map.
Rainforest at home
Learning objectives
• Know that many products we use every
day originate from the rainforests
Age
7-11
• Be able to carry out an investigation
into a product’s origins
Resources required
• Slides 17–22
• Worksheet 3
Delivery
1. Using slides 17–22 explore some of the everyday
products which come from the rainforest.
2. Distribute a copy of worksheet 3 and ask pupils
to carry out a survey of the school to find out
what products they rely on from the rainforests.
Pupils can also complete this activity at home
as a homework assignment.
Geography/
Social Studies
activities
Weather forecast
Learning objectives
• Know how to read temperature and
precipitation charts
Conscience alley
Age
7-11
Learning objectives
• Know that there are many different groups
which rely on the Amazon
• Understand that climate is affected
by different factors
• Understand the damage that deforestation
can cause to the Amazon and its inhabitants
• Know about the Amazon’s climate
• Be able to conduct a balanced debate
Resources required
• Slides 23–27
• Worksheet 4a & b
Resources required
• Slides 28–30
• Worksheet 5a & b
• ‘Children of the Amazon’ video –
vimeo.com/25707533 (6.58 minutes long)
Delivery
1. Introduce the topic by asking pupils to tell you where
they’ve been on holiday. Pick the destinations with the
biggest extremes and discuss how weather is different
e.g. between the UK and Spain. What differences did
they notice? Why do pupils think this is the case?
2. Using slides 23–26 explain that different regions
have different climates. Distribute worksheet
4a & b and ask pupils to read the average
temperature charts and precipitation charts
for three destinations. They should review the
charts and write their observations beneath them.
3. Next they should match the charts to the correct
destination on the map. Reveal the answers using
slide 27.
4. Finally divide the class into six groups and
allocate one of the three destinations to
each group (you’ll end up with more than one
group per destination). Invite each group to
create a performance of a weather report for
their destination. These could be performed
for the class or recorded.
Age
7-11
Delivery
1. Show pupils the ‘Children of the Amazon’ film.
2. Explain that they will be carrying out a conscience alley
activity about logging in the Amazon. Distribute the
role play cards from worksheet 5a & b to eight pupils
and ask them to form two lines opposite each other.
3. Select one pupil to walk down the middle of the alley.
As they walk through the middle each pupil in the
lines should put forward the point of view on their
role play card – these could be the views of a logger
or of an indigenous tribe which lives in the Amazon.
4. Once they have made it through all of the arguments
the class should conduct a debate to decide whether
they think logging should be allowed in the Amazon.
Depending on the size of your class you may need to
split the class into smaller groups when conducting
this activity.
5. Once the debate has finished use slides 28–30 to
explain that logging can help poor people to earn an
income but needs to be carried out using sustainable
forest management in order to protect the rainforest
and the people and animals that live there.
9
English/Literacy activities
Animal descriptions
Learning objectives
• To understand that the Amazon is home
to a huge variety of unique creatures
Age
5-7
• To use a range of adjectives to describe the
different animals who live in the Amazon
Resources required
• Fact sheets 1–3
3. Using the worksheet, pupils work in pairs to give
instructions to find the endangered species in
the rainforest.
• A copy of “Slowly, slowly, slowly said the
sloth” by Eric Carle (also available at
youtube.com/watch?v=9h8Mvy-fGS8)
Delivery
1. I ntroduce the animals pupils will meet in the story
using the illustrated glossary at the back of the book.
2. Ask pupils what they know about the three-toed sloth
and then share Eric Carle’s story about the sloth.
3. Use the sloth’s answer at the back of the book
to explore descriptive language and the use of
adjectives, looking up/creating definitions for
those they don’t know.
• Copies of worksheet 7a–c – you will need to cut out
the postcard images and distribute one to each pupil
Where am I?
Resources required
• Slides 1–10
• Worksheet 6a & b
• Two different coloured counters per pair
Delivery
1. U
se slides 1–10 to introduce and practise use
of positional vocabulary such as above, below,
beside, left and right.
10
Postcards from
the rainforest
Resources required
• Slides 11-16
5. Using the brainstormed lists together with fact
sheets 1–3, pupils write their own descriptions
of the animals that live in the rainforest.
• Describe direction and movement: forwards,
backwards, up, down, left and right
4. As an extension activity pupils could brainstorm
adjectives to describe the animals on the slides
and then either write or articulate sentences which
include both the descriptive and the positional
vocabulary for each.
Learning objectives
Age
• Know how to use descriptive language
7-11
• Be able to write imaginatively
• Understand that the rainforest has many different sides
4. Brainstorm a list of adjectives for the other
Amazon animals we meet in the story.
Learning objectives
• Describe position: above, below, beside,
left and right
2. Introduce the worksheet and explain how the game
is to be played before splitting the class into mixed
ability pairs. Pupils sit together with the worksheet
grid in-between them and two different coloured
counters. Pupils take turns to place their counters on
the grid, and then direct each other to their chosen
animal; using only directional vocabulary such as
forwards, backwards, up and down, left and right.
Age
5-7
Delivery
1. Display the images on slides 11-16 and ask pupils to
spend 30 seconds with response partners writing down
the words they would use to describe each one. Once
you have shown all the images ask pupils to suggest
their words and write them on the board; there should
be some very different words for each picture.
2. Explain that there are many different sides to
the rainforest. Now distribute a postcard image
from the worksheet to each pupil.
3. Ask pupils to imagine that they are in that image
and write a postcard back home from it. They should
describe where they are, what they have seen and
how it makes them feel. What does the picture tell
them about the rainforest? Ask some pupils to read
their postcards to the class.
English/Literacy
activities
The rainforest hierarchy
2. Now ask pupils to write a letter explaining what
can be done to protect the rainforest.
Learning objectives
• Be able to sort information in an article
by importance
3. They should choose who to write to (for example the
Brazilian/British government), explain the problems
and then outline what they should do differently to
protect the Amazon.
Age
7-11
• Know some of the stylistic elements
of a newspaper article
• Understand some of the dangers facing the Amazon
Finish the story
Resources required
• Slides 17-19
• Worksheets 8 & 9
Learning objectives
• Be able to develop a story using role plays
• Know how to create a piece of
imaginative writing
Delivery
1. U
se slides 17-19 to recap on the purpose of
newspaper articles and introduce some of
the stylistic features.
Resources required
• Slides 20–25
• Worksheet 10
2. Distribute worksheet 8 and read through with
the class, inviting questions for clarification.
3. Hand out worksheet 9 to small, mixed ability groups
and ask them to re-read the article and sort the
information by importance, putting the most
important piece of information at the top
of the pyramid.
4. As a homework or extension activity, pupils could
use the features of news articles they’ve learned
about to create their own news article about the
Amazon rainforest.
Protecting the rainforest
Learning objectives
• Know about some of the causes
of deforestation
• Be able to write a persuasive letter
• Understand why it is important to protect
the rainforest
Resources required
Fact sheet 4
Delivery
1. D
istribute a copy of fact sheet 4 to each pupil.
Read the fact sheet together, discuss as a class
what they have learnt about deforestation and
the importance of the Amazon.
Age
7-11
Age
7-11
Delivery
1. Print copies of worksheet 10 and cut out the scenario
cards. Split pupils into six mixed ability groups and
give each group a scenario card. Pupils should look
at their scenario and then act out how they think it
would continue.
2. Once they have acted out their story they
should write some quick notes to remind them
what happens.
3. Now each pupil should write up their story individually
using the scenario as the starting point. Use slides
20–25 to display some tips for writing their story.
Save the jaguar
Learning objectives
• Know about the jaguar
• Be able to write in a specific style
Age
7-11
Resources required
Fact sheet 1
Delivery
1. Pupils read fact sheet 1.
2. They then write about the jaguar using a style
of their choice; they could create a newspaper
article or leaflet or a piece of creative writing
with the jaguar as a character.
11
Mathematics activities
Endangered species
estimation
Learning objectives
• To estimate then count up to 100 objects
by grouping in 5s and 10s
Through the tree tops
Age
5-7
• Count on in 2s or 10s from any given number
• Write number names to twenty
Resources required
• Slides 1–6
• Worksheet 11a-c
• Counters or items small enough to hold in one hand
Delivery
1. U
se slides 1–6 to introduce pupils to estimating.
Brainstorm ideas for finding out who the closest
is, then scaffold counting using larger numbers by
grouping the items on the interactive white board
into 2s, 5s or 10s.
2. Split pupils into mixed ability pairs. Provide each
pair with counters or items small enough to hold in
one hand. Pupils take it in turns to grab a handful of
counters for their partner to estimate. Pupils then
work together to group and count actual amounts in
2s, 5s, and 10s.
3. Pupils complete the worksheet individually.
4. Show slide 7 and explain that estimating and counting
in groups are important skills when collecting data
and monitoring population trends of animals in the
wild, not least because they don’t keep still whilst
you’re counting!
Learning objectives
• To solve a range of rainforest themed
word problems and puzzles
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Worksheet 12a-c
Delivery
1. Use the mental and oral starter to review calculation
methods and concepts covered by the worksheet.
Allay any misconceptions and work through any
particular areas of difficulty together, modelling
the correct approach.
2. Pupils work in pairs to solve the rainforest problems.
3. Fast finishers can create their own rainforest
themed problems for their partner to answer.
4. Share answers and calculation methods.
Endangered data mission
Learning objectives
• To be able to read, interpret and
present data in a variety of formats.
Age
7-11
• To understand that the rainforest and its inhabitants
are under threat and need our help and protection.
Resources required
• http://worldwildlife.org/places/amazon
• arkive.org
• http://discover.iucnredlist.org/
• Worksheet 13
Delivery
1. Pupils complete the first task on the worksheet
followed by a class discussion on what the
data shows.
2. They then complete task 2, so that they can begin
to understand how the ‘at risk status’ of an animal
is categorized and what this means for animals
under threat.
12
Mathematics
activities
3. Using the websites, they explore the kind of data
collected by scientists about different species and
create their own data files using tables and charts
to highlight the animals most in need of protection.
Forest facts and figures
Learning objectives
• To measure, compare, add and subtract
mixed units of measure
Age
7-11
• To appreciate the sheer size of the rainforest
flora and fauna in real and relevant terms
Resources required
• Slides 8–16
• Worksheet 14
• Space big enough to measure relative size
• Metre sticks
• Trundle wheels
• Chalk
• Digital camera (optional)
Delivery
1. T
he Amazon rainforest is home to some of the biggest
and tallest species of trees and plants. Use slides
8–16 to introduce pupils to some of them.
2. In pairs, pupils look at key facts and data about the
Amazon rainforest trees and plants and sort them
by height and length using the worksheet to record
their answers.
Awesome Amazon animals
Learning objectives
• To compare, measure and record the lengths,
heights and weights using standard units
Age
7-11
• To learn more about the Amazon through
comparative data
Resources required
• Worksheet 15a-d
Delivery
1. Check pupils’ understanding of the game top trumps.
2. Introduce them to our rainforest version of the game
using worksheet 15a-c.
3. Pupils complete the blank cards on worksheet 15d
with their own height, weight etc.
4. In groups of 4–6, pupils compare the animal ‘wow’
facts to their own statistics to help quantify some
of the weird, wonderful and amazing attributes of
the Amazon wildlife.
5. In groups pupils use the cards sets created to play
top trumps.
6. You could research other comparison data to create
a wall display e.g. comparing the wing span of the
harpy eagle to pupils’ arm-spans.
3. Using measuring equipment, chalk and a digital
camera, pupils demonstrate the data in real terms
using standard and non-standard units of measure
including themselves for comparison!
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Money trees
Learning objectives
• To solve problems using money
Age
7-11
• To explore how the Sky Rainforest Rescue
project is helping the people of the Amazon
rainforest to help themselves
4. Pupils repeat the method shown in order to calculate
the perimeter and area of the different forest regions
and complete the worksheet.
Resources required
• youtube.com/watch?v=943ibes0GBU
What is Sky Rainforest Rescue?
Multiple mazes
• Worksheet 16a & b
Delivery
1. W
atch the video clip to help pupils understand why
deforestation is an on-going problem and why it
needs more than just campaign messages to solve it.
2. Discuss the issues raised.
3. Using the worksheet, pupils work in pairs to solve
money problems that inhabitants of the Amazon
rainforest may encounter.
Rainforest area
Learning objectives
• To understand the difference between
perimeter and area
Age
7-11
• To calculate the area and perimeter of 2D shapes
Resources required
• youtube.com/watch?v=Pk0dGCjpouI
Sky Rainforest Rescue overview
• Slide 17
• Worksheet 17a & b
• String, scissors, rulers
Delivery
1. Show the Sky Rainforest Rescue overview film
to set the context of the activity.
2. Use the slide to introduce pupils to Acre, the state in
Brazil where WWF and Sky are aiming to save a billion
trees with the Sky Rainforest Rescue campaign.
14
3. Ask pupils how they could measure this area of
rainforest. Take suggestions, then demonstrate
how to carefully measure the perimeter with string
and record it as a square/rectangle to allow the
calculation of area.
Learning objectives
• Know by heart all multiplication
facts up to 12 x 12
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Slides 18– 24
• Worksheet 18a & b
• 100 square
• White boards and pens
Delivery
1. Use the slides for a fun themed mental and
oral starter.
2. Using an interactive 100 square remind pupils of the
number patterns created by the multiplication tables.
Give pupils white boards and pens and ask them to
write down the multiplication sum in response to
the product you call out e.g. 56 = 7 x 8 or 8 x 7.
3. Pupils then complete the worksheet using the
times tables they have learnt.
Time in the tropics
Learning objectives
• Record and compare time in terms
of seconds, minutes, hours and o’clock
• Use vocabulary such as am/pm, morning,
afternoon, noon and midnight
Resources required
• Slides 25–30
• Worksheet 19a & b
• Mini clocks (1 per pupil)
Age
7-11
Mathematics
activities
Delivery
1. Mental oral starter. Using the mini clocks play
“What’s the time Mr Cayman?” (similar to an alligator),
where pupils set their clocks to a chosen time before
asking the teacher ‘‘What’s the time Mr Cayman?”.
If the answer corresponds to the pupil’s clock then
that pupil is out. To increase the level of challenge,
vary responses from specific times to periods of time
e.g. between 1 o’clock and half past 4, in which case all
the pupils with a time in between the two parameters
are out.
Resources required
• Children of the Amazon film – vimeo.com/25707533
(6.58 minutes long)
2. Use the slides to explore time in the Amazon.
3. Pupils identify the mean, median and mode, look at
ratios and proportion and use graphs to represent
the data provided, to produce a report for the
government on deforestation and its impact on
tribal villagers.
3. P
upils complete the worksheet by sorting the
information provided into Venn and Carroll diagrams.
Animal trackers
Learning objectives
• To understand that many of the
rainforests animals are threatened with
extinction because of habitat loss and that
conservation science is key to understanding
what we can do to help
Age
7-11
• To use co-ordinates, compass points and directions
Resources required
• worldwildlife.org/initiatives/science
• Worksheet 20a & b
Delivery
1. Show pupils the film and discuss the issues faced by
the people living in the rainforest.
2. Introduce the real life rainforest data presented on
the worksheet.
Monkey puzzle challenge
Learning objectives
• To understand how missing information
can be found by using known facts
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Worksheet 22
Delivery
1. Set the scene for pupils by reading aloud; “Up in the
canopy where the spider monkeys play everything
adds up to 48. Work out the missing numbers to
solve the Monkey Puzzle Challenge”.
Delivery
1. Use the film to add context to the activity.
2. Introduce the worksheet and check pupils’
understanding of compass points and co-ordinates.
3. U
sing the worksheet, pupils follow the instructions
to find out and record which animals were last
sighted where.
Rainforest statistics
Learning objectives
• To use and interpret averages including
mean, median and mode and solve problems
using different kinds of averages
• Worksheet 21a & b
2. Give out the worksheet – follow the example to check
for understanding e.g. there are 24 branches wide
enough to sit on. How many cm wide is each branch?
Answer = 2
Workings = 2 x 24 = 48
Ask what if there were only 12 branches? What if
the branches were 6cm wide?
3. Pupils complete the Monkey Puzzle Challenge on
the worksheet.
Age
7-11
4. Fast finishers can create their own challenge for
someone else to solve.
15
Science activities
Which layer?
Learning objectives
• To explore the layers of the rainforest
in order to understand that different
layers are home to different animals
Sensory table
Age
5-7
• To describe how different habitats provide
for the basic needs of different kinds of
animals and plants
Resources required
• A2 poster
• Slides 1–21
• Worksheet 23a & b
Delivery
1. U
se the poster and slides to explain that the
structure of the rainforest can be split into
different layers.
2. Explore each layer in order to describe what type
of habitat it offers.
3. Pupils work in small mixed ability groups
(2 to 4 pupils) to complete the worksheet.
4. Using what they have learned pupils play guess the
layer using the animal slide show to match each
Amazon animal to the layer they think offers the
most desirable habitat.
Learning objectives
• To create tangible local/global links
to the rainforest
Age
5-7
• To use different senses to explore a range
of themed items
Resources required
• Range of rainforest themed sensory items
for pupils to explore using their senses e.g.
Touch – pineapple, coconut, wax, rubber, bark,
leaves, soil
Scent – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, root ginger,
cocoa, coffee, pineapple, rubber
Hearing – rainmaker, bird whistles, music block,
ocarina, sound recordings
Sight – all the items on the table plus information and
picture books about the rainforest and the animals
and plants that live there
Delivery
1. Create a table of rainforest items providing different
scents, sounds and textures for pupils to explore
using their senses.
2. Pupils can find out about each item and how it
relates to the rainforest.
3. Pupils could then use these different items to create
textured artwork using rubbings and printing to
design eye-catching posters and displays about
the rainforest and why it is important to us.
4. Taste is not explored here, but this activity could
be extended to include the supervised sampling
of fruit and nuts (as appropriate) from Brazil.
N.B Remember to check that children aren’t
allergic to any items included on your table.
16
Science
activities
Identify the animal
Learning objectives
• Know some of the animals which come
from the Amazon rainforest
• Be able to use a classification key
Recreating the rainforest
Age
7-11
Age
7-11
• To understand that because plants need the
energy from the sun to live, they will grow to
seek any available sunlight however small
Resources required
• Worksheet 24
Delivery
1. D
istribute colour copies of the worksheet to small
groups of pupils and ask them to use the key to
identify each of the animals shown. Once they have
worked out the name for each animal they should
write it in the space provided.
2. Once pupils have completed their identification key
they could research one of the animals and create
a top trump card for that animal highlighting their
strengths and best features.
Adapted for life
Learning objectives
• Understand that animals adapt in order
to survive
• Be able to identify different adaptations
Learning objectives
• To explore why the rainforest is always wet
Age
7-11
Resources required
Slides 22–36
Delivery
1. U
sing slides 22–26 introduce pupils to adaptation.
2. Show the pictures of Amazonian animals on slides
27–31 and ask pupils to identify the adaptations and
what they think the adaptations are for. Reveal the
answers using slides 32–36.
3. Discuss the implications that climate change/
deforestation could have on an animal like a sloth
which has adapted specially to survive in the
Amazon rainforest.
Resources required
• Slides 37–41
• Worksheet 25
• Green leafed potted plant, large transparent
plastic bag/cellophane wrapping and sticky tape
• Shoeboxes, scissors, stiff card, small runner bean
seedlings* sufficient for one per group
*N.B. pupils can grow runner bean seedlings from
seed for this experiment, but they can only be placed
in the maze once they have started to shoot.
Delivery
1. Use the slides to introduce the natural processes
of transpiration and photosynthesis with respect
to the Amazon rainforest.
2. Show pupils the pot plant and explain that you are
going to prove the process of transpiration is taking
place. Then water the soil of the pot plant and from
the top, cover it with the clear plastic bag/cellophane
wrapping. Tape tightly around the pot. Leave the
plant on a windowsill until the end of the day or even
overnight. The water vapour given off by the plant will
turn back into water/condense on the plastic. The air
inside the plastic will be warm and moist (humid) just
like the rainforest!
3. Split the class into groups (2 - 3 pupils) and introduce
the experiment on the worksheet and hand out
appropriate resources.
17
4. Pupils follow the instructions on the worksheet
to create their bean mazes. Once a day remove
the lid to check if the seedling requires watering,
otherwise keep covered and place on a window sill.
The seedling will find its way through the maze to find
the sunlight. Note that the green leaves required for
photosynthesis will not grow until the seedling pokes
out through the hole in the top of the shoe box into
the light. Discuss how this natural ability to find light
helps to ensure new saplings continue to grow even
in the dense areas of rainforest, where light at forest
floor level is very limited.
School nature trail
Learning objectives
• Know about the different animals which
can be found in the local area
Age
7-11
• Understand that different environments
support different types of animals
Resources required
• Slides 42–48
• Worksheet 26a & b
Delivery
1. O
rganise a nature walk around the school grounds
or nearby woodland for example.
2. Ask pupils to keep a record of all the animals and
plants they encounter using the worksheet.
3. Once back in the classroom display slides 42–48
which contain images of some animals which can be
found in the Amazon; how do these compare to the
animals pupils discovered?
4. For a more extended nature trail activity, register for
the Spring pledge pack at sky.com/amazonschools
New discovery
Learning objectives
• Know that the Amazon is a mega-diverse
ecosystem
• Be able to think creatively
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Worksheet 27
• ‘Astonish Me’ film –
youtube.com/watch?v=6hO5FFRykOA
Delivery
1. Explain that there are so many different types of
animals in the rainforests that new discoveries are
being made all the time. You could show WWF’s
‘Astonish Me’ film to inspire pupils.
2. Ask pupils to imagine that they have discovered a
brand new animal and create a fact file for it using
the template on the worksheet. They should consider
where it lives, what it eats and how it is adapted for
its surroundings.
The missing link
Learning objectives
• Know what a food chain is and how it works
Age
7-11
• Understand that each of the organisms
relies on the chain for equilibrium
Resources required
• Slides 49–51
• Worksheet 28
Delivery
1. Introduce pupils to food chains using slides 49–51.
2. Distribute a copy of the worksheet and ask pupils to
identify the missing links in the food chains shown.
3. Once this has been completed discuss the effect
which removing one element of a food chain could
have on the other organisms in that chain.
18
Science
activities
The water cycle
Learning objectives
• Understand how the water cycle works
• Be able to identify the different stages
in the water cycle
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Slides 52–54
• Worksheet 29
Delivery
1. I ntroduce pupils to the water cycle and
explain its importance using slides 52–54.
2. Explain that the Amazon rainforest provides
a great example of the water cycle in action.
3. Distribute a copy of the worksheet to each pupil
and ask them to add the correct number to each
part of the diagram.
The carbon cycle
Learning objectives
• Know how the carbon cycle works
Age
7-11
• Understand that protecting the Amazon can
play an important role in managing climate change
Resources required
Slides 55–60
Delivery
1. I ntroduce pupils to the carbon cycle using
slides 55–59.
2. Discuss as a class how Amazon deforestation
could affect climate change and also affect us.
3. What can we do to help limit deforestation?
Display slide 60 at the end of the discussion.
19
Art & DT/Technology
activities
Create your own amphibian
Learning objectives
• Know about the key features of an amphibian
• Be able to identify different amphibians
• Be able to paint creatively
Age
5-7
Resources required
• Slides 1–7
• Worksheet 30a & b
• Water colours
• Lemon juice
5. When finished the acetates can be used to decorate
windows or be cut and hung up in the classroom.
Paper artwork can be cut out and used to add a
splash of colour to your rainforest wall displays.
2. Give each pupil a copy of the worksheet which
contains the outlines of some frogs and ask pupils
to paint them using brightly coloured watercolours.
3. Before the paint dries, drip lemon juice on to the
frogs and wait for the colours to change.
Symmetry of nature
• To use bi-folds to create symmetrical
artwork based on Amazon wildlife
Resources required
• Slides 8–14
• A4 paper
• Acetates (optional)
• Paints or inks
Delivery
1. U
se the slides to introduce pupils to the
symmetry of nature.
20
3. If you are using acetates, pupils will need to carefully
place the acetate over the symmetrical painting
before it dries and press down to ensure that the
paint sticks.
4. Leave to dry.
Delivery
1. U
se slides 1–7 to introduce pupils to amphibians.
Examine their different features and explore the
various types of amphibians that exist. Explain that
in the Amazon there are many different types of
amphibians, some of which have bright markings
to try and scare off predators.
Learning objectives
• To explore the symmetry of nature
2. Demonstrate how, by painting just one half of
an image, pupils can fold the page to create a
symmetrical image.
Age
5-7
Rainforest layer mobile
Learning objectives
• Know that rainforests are made up
of different layers
Age
5-7
• Be able to use a variety of methods
to create a finished product
Resources required
• Slides 15–25
• Scissors
• String
• Coloured pens and/or paints
• Paper or card
• Wire coat hanger
Delivery
1. Use slides 15–25 to explain to pupils that the Amazon
rainforest is made up of four different layers.
2. Explain that they will be making a mobile to show
the different layers of the rainforest. They should
draw trees and bushes at four different heights, cut
them out and colour them in or paint them. These
bushes and trees should then be attached to the
bottom of a wire coat hanger using different lengths
of string; remember all the layers should start from
the same level.
3. Pupils could also create animals to hang in the
different layers of their mobile. Alternatively you could
create a class wall display by decorating a notice board
to show the different layers of the rainforest.
Art & DT/
Technology
activities
Leaf display
Learning objectives
• Be able to use natural materials to create
a piece of art
Fruits of the rainforest
Age
5-7
• Be able to combine ingredients to create
simple dishes
Resources required
• Glue
• Card
• Fallen leaves
Delivery
1. C
ollect fallen leaves from around the school and use
glue to attach them to a piece of card. This activity
will work best during the autumn when there are
plenty of leaves of different colours and shapes
to choose from.
2. You could create a classroom display using
pupils’ work.
Making a rainmaker
Learning objectives
• Be able to use a range of techniques
to develop a finished product
Learning objectives
• Know about some of the fruits which
come from the rainforests
Age
5-7
Resources required
• Empty kitchen roll tubes
• Paper
• Lentils or rice
• Glue
• Coloured pens or paints
Delivery
1. P
lace the empty tube on a piece of paper or card, draw
two larger circles around it and cut the circles out.
Age
5-7
7-11
Resources required
• Tropical fruits
• Water or fruit juice
• Blender
NB: Remember to ensure children are not allergic
to any of the fruits
Delivery
1. You will need to provide samples of different
tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, passion
fruit, limes, coconut, mango, guava, star fruit and
breadfruit. Allow children to try small samples of
each fruit and discuss the flavour.
2. Explain that the Amazon rainforest is home to
a huge variety of different plants, many of which
have delicious fruits.
3. Ask pupils to think about which flavours will work
well together, then let pupils in groups of 2 or 3
create their own rainforest smoothie using the fruit
available. They should write down their smoothie
recipe for others to try.
4. A homework or extension activity for older pupils
could include finding out how the different types
of fruits grow.
2. Place one circle on the end of the tube and use
masking tape to secure it to the end. Pour some
rice or lentils into the tube and then attach the
other circle to the open end of the tube.
3. At this point pupils can use paints or colouring
pens to decorate their rainmaker.
21
Art & DT/
Technology
activities
Create your own amphibian
My Amazon
Learning objectives
• To identify key features of an amphibian
Learning objectives
• To consider the impact of human activity
on the rainforest
Age
7-11
• To explore variation and adaptation of
amphibians in the rainforest
• To understand how pneumatics make things
move in order to create a hopping frog
Resources required
• Slides 1–7
• arkive.org/explore/species/
amphibians?geographicLocation=Brazil
• Worksheets 30a & b and 31
• Plastic tubing, latex glove fingers/water bomb
balloons, elastic bands, sticky tape and empty washing
up bottles in sufficient quantities for one per pupil
Delivery
• Use slides 1–7 and the web link above to introduce
pupils to amphibians. Examine their different features
and explore their variation and adaptation with respect
to the rainforest, such as their bright markings to try
and scare off predators and the ability to climb trees.
• Demonstrate how you can construct a simple
pneumatic system by joining a balloon to some 5mm
tubing and then attach this to a washing-up liquid
bottle.
• Give each pupil a copy of worksheet 30a & b which
contains the outlines of some frogs and ask pupils
to colour them in and cut them out.
• Using the simple pneumatic system as demonstrated,
challenge pupils to make their frogs hop using the
guidance on worksheet 31.
22
Age
7-11
• To explore the effects created by wax-resistant
painting
• To create an artistic response using this technique
which shows the contrast of natural beauty and
man-made destruction
Resources required
• Slides 26-31
• Art paper
• Wax candles (white) and/or wax crayons
• Watercolour paints and brushes
Delivery
1. Use the slides to discuss the natural beauty and
colours of the rainforest in contrast to the visual
impact of some human activity such as unsustainable
farming and logging, which contributes to a
deforestation landscape of death and destruction.
2. Demonstrate the effects that can be created using
wax-resistant painting.
3. Distribute art materials and encourage pupils
to create their own artistic responses using this
technique e.g. using white wax crayons or candles to
portray deforestation and then over painting using
yellow and brown watercolours to reveal an image of
devastation OR using coloured wax crayons to draw
branches, fruits and flowers or colour animal sketches
then over painting using various greens and golds to
bring the rainforest to life all around them.
4. Display the artwork alongside key rainforest
facts to create an evocative portrayal of the
plight of the rainforest.
Visit sky.com
amazonscho /
ol
resources to
download
supporting
resources
23
Music/Expressive
Arts/PE activities
Animal movements
Learning objectives
• Know about some of the animals that
live in the Amazon
Rainforest games
Age
5-7
• Be able to create movements to reflect
a specific animal
Resources required
• YouTube or ARKive videos – youtube.com
(try searching for ‘incredible animals’ + Amazon)
and arkive.org
Delivery
1. U
se YouTube or ARKive to show pupils some videos
of different animals from the Amazon and discuss
how they move. You could show a variety of animals,
for example a jaguar, a tree frog, a howler monkey,
anaconda, morpho butterfly and a tapir.
2. Assign pupils a rainforest animal and ask them
to develop movements to represent them. Their
movements could simply reflect how they move or
represent some of the character and personality
of that animal.
© André Bärtschi / WWF-Canon
3. Once pupils have practised their movements for a
while ask pupils to move around the room and try
to guess which animals other pupils are mimicking.
24
Learning objectives
Age
• To develop listening skills using
5-7
rainforest themed games
• Encourage co-operative and non-cooperative play
Resources required
• Sufficient space to accommodate the whole class
with ample space to move around
• Parachute
Delivery
1. Encourage the children to space themselves around
the parachute so that there are no large gaps.
Hold the parachute with both hands with the
thumb and fingers on top.
2. Begin by lifting the parachute up and down to create
the rainforest canopy and forest floor. When you
shout out “under the canopy” everyone lifts the
parachute and pulls it down over their head and
behind them.
3. Ask the children to stand around the edge of the
parachute, before going around the circle giving each
child the name of a tropical fruit such as pineapple,
mango, papaya or banana. When you call the fruits,
children change places beneath the parachute as it
is lifted.
Music/
Expressive Arts/
PE activities
4. Repeat the game above, only this time using Amazon
animals such as jaguar, spider monkey, harpy eagle
and a tree boa. This time when they travel beneath
the parachute as their animal is called they need to
move as their animal would move as they change
places.
Amazing animals
5. Choose a child to be a jaguar, then select two more
to be peccaries to play cat and mouse rainforest
style; the peccaries crawl beneath the parachute
and the Jaguar crawls around the top to catch them.
An alternative version of this game is caimans, where
one child is chosen to be the caiman and everyone
else sits around the edge with their legs straight
out beneath the parachute. When the caiman grabs
someone’s legs they have to join them beneath the
parachute – play continues until all the other animals
have been ‘eaten’ and everyone is under
the parachute.
• To measure and record data using stop watches,
trundle wheels and meter sticks
6. Pack away the parachute and play a calming game of
woodcutter in the forest (played like wink murderer);
where one or two children are chosen to be
Government officials called in to protect the forest
and are therefore sent outside whilst the woodcutter
is chosen. Once the woodcutter is decided all the
pupils form a circle around the Government officials
who have to identify the woodcutter and stop him
from felling trees. The woodcutter winks at his/her
classmates causing them to fall as felled trees until
he/she is caught.
7. At end of activity, explain that not all tree felling
is bad, or illegal. This process is vital to ensure
woodland/rainforests are managed sustainably.
Managing forests responsibly can ensure that they
stay healthy and can provide wood, fruits etc for
years to come.
Learning objectives
• To compare human abilities and agilities
to some of the amazing animals that live
in the Amazon rainforest
Age
7-11
• To perform actions and skills with improved quality
and control
Resources required
• P.E. apparatus
• Stop watches, trundle wheels and meter sticks
• Worksheet 32
• Slides 1– 6
Delivery
1. Show slides 1–6 and discuss the amazing attributes
of the various rainforest creatures shown.
2. Introduce pupils to the worksheet and discuss ways
in which pupils could measure their own ability/agility
for comparison, highlighting the importance of fair
and accurate measuring.
3. Split the class into small groups (3–4 pupils).
4. Pupils attempt each activity available individually,
working as a group to ensure their achievements are
accurately measured and recorded on the worksheet.
5. Discuss pupil results in comparison to the amazing
animals of the Amazon using the slides.
8. Finish off by asking pupils to spread out and find
a space to play sleeping sloths (played as sleeping
lions) – as each pupil hears their name whispered
they can go and line up or go back to their seat.
25
Music/
Expressive Arts/
PE activities
SOUNDS OF THE RAINFOREST
Guess the layer
Learning objectives
• Understand that materials can be
used in different ways to create sounds
Learning objectives
• Understand about the different layers
of the Amazon
• Be able to represent a place using movement
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Slides 7–11
• Instruments
• Assorted materials
• YouTube or ARKive videos – youtube.com
(try searching for ‘incredible animals’ + Amazon)
and arkive.org
Delivery
1. U
sing slides 7–11 play pupils some unusual sounds
which are made by animals that live in the rainforest.
2. Ask pupils to use some of the materials or
instruments in the room to create sounds which
they think could be heard in the Amazon. For example
they might use a whistle to create the sound for
a bird or scrunch paper to imitate the sound of
animal footsteps.
3. Once the pupils have created some sounds you could
play a rainforest recording from YouTube or ARKive
and ask pupils to perform their sounds over the top.
Age
7-11
Resources required
Slides 12–22
Delivery
1. Using slides 12–22 introduce pupils to the four
different layers of the Amazon rainforest; discuss the
different animals that live in each layer and how the
atmosphere might be different. Come up with a list
of words to describe each layer of the rainforest.
2. Split the class into four groups and ask each to come
up with a piece of dance or movement which reflects
one of the layers.
3. At the end ask each group to present their piece
and the rest of the class can guess which layer each
piece represents.
Lifecycle composition
Learning objectives
Age
• Know about the life cycles of
7-11
different species
• Be able to express different moods using music
Resources required
• Instruments
• Slides 23–26
© Juan Pratginestos/ WWF-Canon
Delivery
1. Using slides 23–26 introduce pupils to the life
cycles of three different animals which can be
found in the Amazon.
2. In pairs ask pupils to pick an animal and create a piece
of music which represents its life cycle. They could
choose different instruments to represent different
parts of the cycle. They should consider how their piece
changes over time and what these changes represent.
3. Explain that the music in their piece just
needs to reflect a mood; it doesn’t need to
be technically perfect.
26
Visit sky.com
amazonscho /
ol
resources to
download
supporting
resources
27
PSHE/Social
Studies activities
Amazon SOS
Learning objectives
• To understand why the rainforest is
important to us
Age
5-7
3. Pupils could decorate their completed pledges and
they could be used to create a classroom display.
For a more extended pledge activity, register for the
Autumn pledge pack at sky.com/amazonschools
• To match number patterns in order to
decode a hidden message
• To read for meaning and purpose
Deforestation in numbers
Resources required
• Slides 1–20
• Worksheet 33
• A4 paper and art materials
Learning objectives
• Know about the impact that deforestation
is having on the Amazon
Delivery
1. U
se the slides to aid a whole class discussion
about the plight of the Amazon rainforest.
2. Explain to pupils that you have received an encoded
message from a group of scientists in the Amazon
and that you need their help to decode the message
and help communicate it to others.
3. Pupils use the information on the worksheet to help
them crack the code and reveal the secret message
from the scientists.
4. Using the art materials available, pupils create
posters to communicate the importance of the
rainforest and the impact of climate change, if help
is not received to protect it.
Rainforest pledge
Learning objectives
• Know about the dangers facing the Amazon
Age
5-7
• Understand changes which we can make to
help make a difference
7-11
Resources required
• Worksheet 34a & b
Delivery
1. C
arry out a class discussion about the importance
of protecting the Amazon rainforest. Why is it such a
vital habitat? What is threatening it? How do these
threats link back to our everyday lives? You could
facilitate a class idea-shower and group their ideas
in relation to the energy they use, the food they eat
and the things they buy.
28
2. Ask each pupil to use one of the leaf templates on
worksheet 34a & b to write a pledge about something
they will do to help protect the Amazon. It could be
something they will carry out at home or in school.
Age
7-11
Resources required
• Slides 21–24
• Worksheet 35
• Sky Rainforest Rescue film
(sky.com/rainforestrescue/campaignvideo)
Delivery
1. Show the Sky Rainforest Rescue film to introduce
some of the problems which are facing the Amazon.
Split pupils into pairs and distribute a copy of
worksheet 35 to each pair.
2. Using slides 21–22 present pupils with a set of
numbers and ask them to match each number
to one of the statistics on the worksheet.
3. Reveal the answers on slides 23–24 and discuss each
statistic as a class. Pupils could choose one of the
statistics and express it visually, with their pieces
used to create a class display.
Rescuing the rainforest
Learning objectives
• Know about some of the problems facing
people living in the Amazon
Age
7-11
• Understand what Sky and WWF are doing to protect it
Resources required
• Slides 25–28
• Worksheet 36a & b
PSHE/Social
Studies
activities
Rainforest rights and
responsibilities
Delivery
1. P
rint out two sets of worksheet 36a & b. Keep a
copy for yourself so that you have the problems
and solution matches!
2. Cut out all the problem cards from one photocopied
set and mix them up before distributing one card to
each mixed ability group of 4 – 5 children. Do the same
with the solution cards.
3. Display slides 25–26. Now read out the statement on
slide 27 which explains one of the problems facing the
Amazon and the people that live in it. Ask groups to
look at their cards and to put up their hands if they
think they have the response to that problem. Invite
one of the pupils from that group to read it out.
4. Once they have done this, reveal slide 28 to see
if this is the correct answer.
5. Invite another pupil from the same group to read
their problem card, and repeat the process until all
the problem and solution cards have been read out.
Rainforest role play
Learning objectives
• Understand the concerns of different
groups who rely on the Amazon
Age
7-11
• Be able to take part in a structured and
constructive debate
Resources required
• Worksheet 5a & b
Delivery
1. S
plit the class into groups. Cut out the cards on
worksheet 5a & b and distribute a different card
to each member of the group. The cards provide
details on a character which pupils should play in
a role play exercise.
2. Now each group should conduct a debate over how
the Amazon should be treated using the characters
on their cards. Once the debates are complete
discuss as a class.
3. Who do students think should have control over
the rainforest, is it the government or the people
that live there?
Learning objectives
• Understand the rights and responsibilities
of people that live in the rainforest.
Age
7-11
• Be able to create a piece of persuasive writing
Resources required
• Worksheet 37a & b
Delivery
1.This activity explores the rights and responsibilities of
the people that live in the Amazon rainforest. It could
be carried out in pairs, small groups or individually.
2. You will need to print out copies of worksheet 37a &
b, cut out the cards and distribute one to each pupil
or group. The cards explore the pros and cons of a
number of situations.
3. Pupils should research and discuss the scenario on
their card and create a piece of persuasive writing
supporting it. This piece of writing could take the
form of a newspaper article, essay, speech or
presentation.
4. Ask pupils/groups to present both sides of the
argument and then discuss which they think is
more convincing and why.
5. Finally ask pupils to agree on three important
rights and responsibilities for the people that
live in the Amazon rainforest.
Thumbometer
Learning objectives
• Be able to form and express
an opinion
Age
7-11
Resources required
Slides 29-38
Delivery
1. Using slides 29-38, present different statements
about the Amazon rainforest and ask pupils to use
their thumbs to show whether they agree or disagree
(thumb up to agree, down to disagree and in the
middle if pupils are not sure). Each statement can
be discussed further if necessary.
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Getting involved
Taking part in I Love Amazon for primary schools provides a great opportunity to get the whole
school involved in some engaging activities which will help to raise awareness about the world’s biggest
rainforest. We’ve provided you with a few ideas but you’re free to carry out any of your own too.
Bringing the rainforest indoors
Set the tone by decorating your classroom or school hall
to make it look like a rainforest. You could use coloured
paper to create trees and animals on display boards and
even include props like camouflage netting or cuddly
toys if you want. Many of the art activities included
on pages 20-22 could also be used to decorate the
classroom. Finish it off by playing some sounds of the
rainforest; there are lots available on YouTube
(try searching for ‘incredible animals’ + Amazon).
Masked ball
Hold an Amazon-themed masked disco for pupils.
There are some great mask templates available to
download at sky.com/amazonresources or alternatively
they could design their own. You could play some funky
rainforest-themed tunes alongside the normal music
to help get pupils into the mood.
Dress up as a rainforest creature
Why not hold a non-uniform day where pupils can
come in dressed up as their favourite animal from the
Amazon. Pupils could pay a pound for the privilege
which could be donated to Sky Rainforest Rescue, a
partnership between Sky and WWF which aims to help
protect 1 billion trees in the Amazon rainforest.
School pledge
Draw up a school pledge to help protect the rainforest.
Perhaps you could switch to recycled paper or ensure
that all new wooden furniture is FSC certified? For a
more extended pledge activity, register for the Autumn
pledge pack at sky.com/amazonschools.
Amazon cake sale
Ask parents and other members of the school
community to bake cakes or biscuits which could be
used for an Amazon cake sale. Perhaps there could
be a prize for the best cake. You could use fair trade
products to help raise awareness of fair trade and
the impact this is having.
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School nature trail
Take children on a nature trail around the school
grounds or a local green space or woodlands. Worksheet
26a & b provides some guidance on how to run a nature
trail. Photos and video could be taken and uploaded
to the school website or shared with WWF and Sky to
show the great work you are doing. For a more extended
nature trail activity, register for the Spring pledge
pack at sky.com/amazonschools.
School adoption
Stoke your pupils’ interest in the Amazon by sponsoring
an acre of rainforest for the school. Your sponsorship
will help Sky and WWF to work with the local population
to ensure that the precious trees in the Amazon are
worth more alive than dead. We will send you regular
updates about how your donation is helping.
Visit wwf.org.uk/adoption/sponsoranacre/
to find out more.
Alternatively you could also sponsor a jaguar
and help protect the rainforests where they live.
Visit wwf.org.uk/adoption/skyjaguar to find out more.
Amazon treasure hunt
Hide some Amazon themed objects around the school
grounds (e.g. a model of a monkey or a pineapple).
Give pupils a map of the school and ask them to find
all the objects and mark them on the map. A prize
could be offered for the pupil who gets the most
or finds them the quickest.
Deforestation
Deforestation is putting the future of the
people, animals and plants that call the
Amazon their home at risk. And it’s also
having a huge impact on climate change.
We want to help stop it, now. The funds raised
by Sky Rainforest Rescue supporters have
been helping us do that by giving local people
in the Amazon ways of making a fair living from
the forest, without cutting down the trees.
By doing this, Sky Rainforest Rescue, launched
by Sky and WWF in 2009, aims to help save
one billion trees in Acre, north-west Brazil.
If you’re not involved yet, join us! Together,
we can help protect the Amazon we all love,
working hand in hand with the people who
live there.
For more information visit
sky.com/rainforestrescue
Facebook: facebook.com/skyrainforestrescue
Twitter: @SkyRainforest
About WWF and Sky
At Sky we believe in better. We are passionate
about ensuring what we do at Sky brings real
benefits to our customers and to life in Britain
and Ireland. As well as meeting the needs of
millions of families with our products and
services, we have a positive impact on our
industry, on the economy and on society.
We believe this is an essential part of
building long-term, sustainable success.
sky.com/biggerpicture
WWF is the world’s leading independent
conservation organisation. With over 50
years’ experience of working across the globe,
our aim is to build a future in which people
live in harmony with nature. We do this by
working with governments, businesses and
communities around the world. Schools
are also vital partners in helping the next
generation to connect with nature and develop
the knowledge and skills to help build a more
sustainable future. wwf.org.uk/schools
Stronger together
We believe that by working together, Sky and
WWF have what it takes to raise the awareness,
funds and commitment needed to help save a
critical part of the Amazon rainforest for the
long-term.
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Sky and WWF combine a trusted reputation in
working to protect the environment with a unique
ability to inspire and engage people on issues that
matter. With WWF’s 40 years of experience in the
Amazon and Sky’s reach into more than 10 million
homes we can put in place an effective conservation
programme in the Amazon, while showcasing it here
in the UK and Ireland for everyone to understand.
I Love Amazon for primary schools, c/o WWF-UK, The Living Planet Centre, Rufford House,
Brewery Road, Woking, GU21 4LL. WWF-UK registered charity number 1081247 and registered in
Scotland number SC039593. A company limited by guarantee number 4016725. © panda symbol and
® “WWF” Registered Trademark of WWF-World Wide Fund for Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund).
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