Habitats: A Journey Through the Rainforest
by
Madelyn Diaz
Introduction
You and your partner are yet to be discovered by
scientists as one of the most incredible species of the rainforest. As luck
would have it, you have developed all the necessary adaptations to survive in
the rainforest. You have a keen eye that allows you to see what others might
not with your telescopic and microscopic eyesight. As you continue on your
journey you will meet some other interesting and sometimes dangerous creatures
of the rainforest. How will you recognize if you’re safe or not? Most
importantly, how will you defend yourself if you find yourself in danger? Good
luck as you journey through the rainforest!
The Task
At the end of your quest you will have
come in contact with five creatures that live in the different levels of the
tropical rainforest. As you explore take notes of the following questions :
q
Describe the appearance of each of the
inhabitants you have met in your journey. Include color, size, movement, and
any special physical characteristics it may have.
q
Where exactly did you see it and was
it alone? (e.g. in a group up a tree)
q
What was it eating? Where did it find its food?
q
How does it protect itself?
q Final Task: Write about how you would protect yourself if contact with
these creatures became dangerous. Hint: Think about what adaptations allow you
to escape danger.
Resources
Typical Rainforest animals found in various regions
of the world
http://hechoenpuertorico.org/yunque/
Site of Puerto Rico’s rainforest El Yunque and contains description of its rare and unique wildlife.
http://www.ran.org/ran/kids_action/animals.html
This site presents interesting information on
rainforest animals and includes sound effects.
http://www.wildlife-australia.com/rkangaroo.htm
This site offers information and photographs of the
diverse animals found in Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest.
http://www.pbs.org/tal/costa_rica/birds.html
This site has information on the rainforest’s habitat including its bird, plants, monkeys, and nightlife.
The Process
1.
You will be working with a partner on
your journey. Remember that your goal is to survive. The first thing you must
do to prepare yourselves for the journey is to visit “Tropical Rainforest” and
make a list of ways you can protect yourselves and each other from any danger.
2.
Now you’re prepared to start on your
first encounter. Start by locating the inhabitants. You can find them in El Yunque,
Australia’s Wet Tropics, or any other rainforest listed in the resources. Don’t
forget to write your observations on the “Encounter in the Rainforest”
chart.
3.
You’ve been exploring for quite a
while. I understand that you’re both hungry and in need of rest. How will you
get your food? Where will your resting place be? Are you safe?
4.
You’re finally rested, well nourished,
and feeling very energized. Unfortunately, you sense that there is trouble. The
creatures you’ve been exploring all day long have now made you and your partner
their targets. One by one they start to approach you. How will you defend
yourselves? (Hint: Go back to your list of defense mechanisms you created
before your journey).
5.
Scientists in years to come will
discover your species and observe you just as you have observed others
throughout your journey. What physical
characteristics will they notice? How will they describe you in their
logs? How will they show how it is that you have adapted to your environment to
stay a alive? Work individually to
write a description of your creature. Don’t forget to include the adaptations
that permit you to get food and protection. Finally, draw a picture of your
creature and give it a name.
Evaluation
Your grade on this project depends on four
factors:
1.
First, you should cooperate with your
partner.
2.
Second, you must complete all charts
and answer all questions.
3.
Third, individual tasks are to be done
on your own.
4.
Fourth, you should present your
findings together in the form of an oral presentation.
Last updated July 23, 1997.
Worksheet
Put the Title of the Lesson here
By: Type Your Name
Introduction
Task
Resources (Links to Websites)
Procedure
Evaluation
Conclusion