Climate is an average of weather conditions (e.g. rain, sun, wind) in a place taken over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more).

Tropical rainforests are areas of dense forest found close to the Equator where it is warm and there are high levels of rainfall.

Diversity is the variety of human, physical or cultural characteristics in a geographical area.

Tropical rainforests: climate and location

Geography

The world's hottest places

Hot deserts: climate and location

Visiting the hot places of the world

This unit links to 'Contrasting locality: What is it like to live in (location in) in Jamaica?', as pupils draw on their knowledge of places that are hot and wet, and also to 'The water cycle: why does it matter?'. Pupils apply their beginning thinking about locational differences in rainfall and temperature.

This unit builds on 'Cold places: What is it like at the North and South Poles?', which pupils should have done first. Pupils draw on their knowledge of cold areas of the world to help them consider the location of hot places and what they are like, making comparisons. 

This unit explores the world’s hottest places, focusing on tropical rainforests and hot deserts. Pupils use maps and images to locate these environments, describe their climates and features, and compare contrasting hot places around the world.

Hot places: where are they and what are they like?

What is the largest rainforest in the world?

Which of these fruits is grown in tropical areas?

are grown by farmers and sold around the world

live in the trees and have hooked claws to help them grasp branches

Match the diverse plants and animals to their descriptions.

an imaginary line encircling Earth which is an equal distance from the poles

an imaginary line which comes out of the poles

the average weather conditions taken over a long time in a place

is a line of latitude north of the Equator

is a line of latitude south of the Equator

Match these tropical terms with the correct description.

The sun's rays are more concentrated at the Equator.

Heat from the centre of the earth comes out at the Equator.

Why is it hotter at the Equator than at the poles?

Tropical rainforests: climate and location

Lesson outcome