Tropical and temperate rainforests
Lesson details
Learning outcome
You can explain what a rainforest is, describe the distribution of tropical and temperate rainforests, and make comparisons between these two rainforest types.
Key learning points
- The rainforest is a type of environment or biome, with a distinctive climate and ecosystem.
- Rainforests are located in tropical and temperate regions of the world.
- Weather and climate conditions in tropical and temperate rainforests are different because of their locations on Earth.
- Climate data can be used to investigate what rainforests are like.
Keywords
Equator - The Equator is an imaginary line encircling Earth at 0° latitude and is an equal distance from the North Pole and the South Pole.
Tropic of Cancer - The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line of latitude lying north of the Equator.
Tropic of Capricorn - The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line of latitude lying south of the Equator.
Common misconception
Pupils think that rainforests are only found in tropical regions.
Rainforests can be found in tropical and temperate regions.
Teacher tip
In Task 2, pupils could use a weather forecast website to research up to date climate data for the different localities.
Equipment
Colouring pencils will be needed for Task 1.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a collection of maps called?
Q2.Order the directions on the compass rose, moving clockwise starting with north.
Q3.How many continents are there?
Q4.Which of these is not a continent?
Q5.Which of the following is a unit of measurement for temperature?
Q6.What is the equator?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are a type of biome?
Q2.Order the equator, Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer from north to south.
Q3.Which is the only continent in which rainforests are not found?
Q4.What does climate mean?
Q5.Which of these countries have tropical rainforests?
Q6.Select 1 answer. The climates in tropical and temperate rainforests are different because...
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Tropical and temperate rainforests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Tropical and temperate rainforests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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