South America: why does the Amazon matter?
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Why this why now
This unit fulfils the National Curriculum requirement to study a region in South America through an in-depth focus on the Amazon rainforest. Its placement builds on pupils’ earlier learning about physical geography, biomes and natural resources, while deepening understanding of global interdependence. Pupils explore the Amazon’s features, biodiversity and human geography, and consider how land use choices affect both people and planet. This prepares them to reflect critically on environmental change and sustainability in the final units of the year.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Knowledge of the location of South America, and its diverse range of people and landscapes.
- Knowledge of the global distribution of climate zones and biomes, the importance of rainforests and the need to protect them from over-exploitation.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit fulfils the National Curriculum requirement to study a region in South America through an in-depth focus on the Amazon rainforest. Its placement builds on pupils’ earlier learning about physical geography, biomes and natural resources, while deepening understanding of global interdependence. Pupils explore the Amazon’s features, biodiversity and human geography, and consider how land use choices affect both people and planet. This prepares them to reflect critically on environmental change and sustainability in the final units of the year.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Knowledge of the location of South America, and its diverse range of people and landscapes.
- Knowledge of the global distribution of climate zones and biomes, the importance of rainforests and the need to protect them from over-exploitation.
South America: why does the Amazon matter?
This unit explores the Amazon rainforest as a region in South America. Pupils learn about its location, climate and biodiversity, investigate how people live and work there, and consider the global importance of protecting tropical rainforests.
8 lessons in unit
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