Rainforest Packet

Made by Liesl
homeschoolden.com

I have just added some new materials to this packet. The Rainforest Booklet and Notebook
Pages cover rainforests of the world. I have included this newer material at the front of the
packet (pages 2 to 26).
Then, beginning on page 27 (through page 85), you will find material that is more specific
about the Amazon Rainforest.
~Liesl
 Rainforest Booklet

©homeschoolden.com
Copyright Notice:
Feel free to make as many copies as you need for your kids or the students in your
classroom.
This file may not be shared with others.
This file may not be uploaded to any file sharing website.
You may not reproduce, repackage, or redistribute the contents of homeschoolden.com
downloads, in whole or in part, for any reason.
Clipart Credit: Some images were purchased from Canstockphoto.com, the Cher Room TpT,
Westmoreland Learning TpT, Studio Devanna, TPT, Artifex Graphics TpT, Zip-a-Dee-Doo-
Dah Designs TpT, UtahRoots TpT, or are in the public domain.
Rainforest Booklet:
Print out pages 4 to 10 ONE-SIDED and fold each paper in half. Staple or bind along the
left-hand side.
There are TWO options for the booklet materials.
If you have younger kids, you may choose to print the Rainforest Booklet that has
tracing and coloring. Students can color the first and last pages. They trace the words
within the booklet.

For older students, you may want to use the notebook pages that follow instead. There
are fill-in-the-blank student pages or full text pages provided.
Rainforests
Rainforests are located near the
equator in the hot, wet region called
the tropics. These regions get 70 to
By 200 inches (1.8 - 5 m) of rain each year!

____________________________________

You will find rainforests in:

South & Central America
Western and Central Africa
Madagascar
Southeast Asia
Australia
©homeschoolden.com 2
Amazon Rainforest The Amazon Rainforest is 2.72 million
square miles which is roughly the size of
The world’s largest rainforest is located in the United States (excluding Alaska and
Hawaii). It covers some 40 percent of
the Amazon River Basin of Brazil. the South American continent.
A river basin is Nearly two-thirds
the portion of of the Amazon
land drained by rainforest is found
a river and its
tributaries. in Brazil.
The Amazon has an incredibly
rich ecosystem – there are around
The Amazon River is 40,000 plant species,
over 4,000 miles 1,300 bird species, 3,000
(6,400 km) long. The Amazon River is made
types of fish, 430 mammal
up of over 1,100 tributaries.
species and an incredible 2.5 million
It is estimated that about one-fifth of all
the water that runs off Earth’s surface is different types of insects.
carried by the Amazon.
3 ©homeschoolden.com 4
Congo Basin Rainforest The Congo rainforest is known for its high
levels of biodiversity, including more than
The Congo Basin is the second largest
tropical rainforest in the world. It is
600 tree species, 450 species of
located in central Africa. Much of this mammals, 1,000 species of birds and
rainforest is located in the
Democratic Republic of 700 species of fish.
Some of its most well-known animals
the Congo.
The Congo Basin Rainforest is around forest elephants,
include
780,000 square miles (2 million sq. km),
roughly the size of Mexico or Saudi Arabia.
gorillas, chimpanzees,
leopards, lions, hippos, and
okapi.

The Congo Basin Rainforest is very rainy. The Congo rainforest vegetation is so
The average rainfall is a little over 58 dense that many parts of it have never
inches (1.47 meters) per year. been seen by humans. In the densest parts
of the rainforest only 1% of the sunlight
5 reaches the ground! ©homeschoolden.com 6
 Rainforests of the World The Corpse Flower
Some of the other large rainforests of the The flower with the world's largest bloom
world include the Bosawás Biosphere is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This rare flower
Reserve located in northern Nicaragua. is found in the rainforests
It is the second largest
rainforest in the Western
of Southeast Asia
including Indonesia, Malaysia,
Hemisphere, after the Amazon.
Thailand and the Philippines.
The Daintree Rainforest is located It can grow to be 3 feet across and
on the coast of Queensland, Australia. weigh up to 15 pounds!
This ancient rainforest was named
after geologist and photographer Richard It is a parasitic plant,
Daintree. It is estimated to be over 165 with no visible leaves,
million years old, making it the oldest roots, or stem.
tropical rainforest in the world.
It is known as the
The Southeast Asian Rainforest "corpse flower" because
stretches from India to Malaysia. These it smells like dead flesh.
forests were once the most biodiverse
regions of the world before much of the
land was cleared for logging and farming.
Animals on this page include the jaguar,
Central American Spider Monkey,
Cassowary, Clouded Leopard, Gibbon and
the Large Indian Civet. 7 ©homeschoolden.com 8
Temperate vs. Tropical Rainforests Rainforest Layers
There are two different types
of rainforests: temperate Tropical rainforest can be divided into
and tropical rainforests. Both different sections.
have very dense vegetation. At the top of the forest is a thick layer
Tropical rainforests, such as called the canopy. The canopy may be
the Amazon or Congo Basin, are more over 100 feet (30 m) above the ground.
common. They get much more rain than It is made up of the overlapping branches
temperate rainforests. Tropical rainforests and leaves of rainforest trees. The
are found closer to the equator where it is canopy blocks much of the sunlight
warm all the time. from reaching the areas below.
A few trees may stick up above the rest
Temperate rainforests are of the canopy. Those are called
found near the cooler coastal areas emergent trees.
further north or south of the equator.
Temperate rainforests are cool in the canopy
winter and warm in the summer. There are
Scientists estimate
temperate rainforests in the Pacific
that 60-90 percent of
Northwest, Chile,
life in the rainforest is
Tasmania, New
found in the trees. Birds, monkeys,
Zealand, Ireland,
lizards, frogs, snakes, sloths, and cats
Scotland, and
are found in the canopy.
Norway. 9 ©homeschoolden.com 10
 Understory About 50% of all known plant and
Below the canopy is the understory. It animal species live in the rainforest.
includes small trees, shrubs, plants and
vines. Insects are found in large numbers. There is a delicate network of
Some common animals include jaguars, relationships between plants and animals.
lizards, bats, monkeys, frogs, and snakes.
Many of these animals spend a lot of
many plants
For example,
time in the tree branches either living off depend on animals to
the insects or looking for prey below.
spread their pollen or
seeds.

understory
forest floor
The forest floor is usually dark because
the canopy blocks so much of the light.
Only plants that can tolerate shade grow
there. Most plant and animal life is not
found on the forest floor, but in the
leafy world of the canopy.
11 ©homeschoolden.com 12
 The Importance of Rainforests Rainforest Facts
Rainforests help stabilize the world's Research and write some interesting facts about
rainforests below:
climate by absorbing carbon dioxide __________________________________________
from the atmosphere. Rainforests help to __________________________________________
regulate the temperatures around the __________________________________________
world and regulate weather patterns as __________________________________________
well. Rainforests also affect local weather __________________________________________
conditions by creating rainfall and __________________________________________
moderating temperatures. __________________________________________
About 1/4 of natural medicines __________________________________________
have been discovered in rainforests.
They hold enormous potential for
future discoveries. For example, 70%
or more of the plants that are used
to treat cancer are found only in
tropical rainforests.
People get many products
from the rainforest such as
fruits, nuts, rubber,
coffee, cocoa, and wood. 13 ©homeschoolden.com 14
©homeschoolden.com
Draw some of the animals found in the Congo Basin Rainforest:

hippopotamus

gorilla leopard
frog
©homeschoolden.com
 Rainforest Notebook Pages
For older students, you may want to use the notebook pages that follow instead. There are fill-
in-the-blank student pages or full-text pages provided.

At the end of this section you will find a couple more options for the Rainforest Layers. For
example, I provided the same booklet materials, but on a single page. I also provided some
note-taking pages.
 Name: __________________________
Rainforests

Rainforests are located near the ___________ in the hot, wet region called the ___________.
These regions get ____ to ____ inches (____ -____ m) of rain each year!
You will find rainforests in:
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
Amazon Rainforest

The world’s largest rainforest is located in the ___________

River Basin of ___________. A river ________is the portion
of land drained by a river and its _______________.
The Amazon River is over ________ miles (________ km)
long. The Amazon River is made up of over ________
tributaries.
It is estimated that about _______
of all the water that runs off
Earth’s surface is carried by the
Amazon.
The Amazon Rainforest is ______ million square miles which is
roughly the size of the ___________________ (excluding
Alaska & Hawaii). It covers almost ______ percent of the South
American continent. Nearly two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest
is found in ___________.
The Amazon has an incredibly rich ecosystem – there are around
_______ plant species, _______ bird species, _______ types of
fish, _______ mammals and an incredible __________ different
insects.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Congo Basin Rainforest

The Congo Basin is the ___________ largest tropical rainforest in

the world. It is located in __________ __________. Much of this
rainforest is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Congo Basin Rainforest is
around 780,000 square miles (2
million sq. km), roughly the size of
___________ or ________________.
The Congo Basin Rainforest is very rainy. The average rainfall is
a little over ____ inches (______ meters) per year.
The Congo rainforest is known for its high levels of biodiversity,
including more than 600 ________species, 450 species of
___________, 1,000 species of ___________ and 700
species of ___________.
Some of its most well-known animals include forest
___________, ___________, chimpanzees, leopards, lions,
___________, and ___________.

The Congo rainforest vegetation is so dense that many parts of it have never been ___________
by humans. In the densest parts of the rainforest only ___% of the sunlight reaches the ground!

Rainforests of the World

Some of the other large rainforests of the world include the Bosawás
Biosphere Reserve located in northern _____________. It is the second
largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, after the Amazon.
The ___________ Rainforest is located on the coast of Queensland,
______________. This ancient rainforest was named after geologist and
photographer Richard Daintree. It is estimated to be over ___________ years old,
making it the ___________ tropical rainforest in the world.
The Southeast Asian Rainforest stretches from ___________ to ___________.
These forests were once the most biodiverse regions of the world before much
of the land was cleared for ___________ and ___________.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

The Corpse Flower

The flower with the world's largest bloom is the _______________ arnoldii.
This rare flower is found in the rainforests of Southeast ________ including
_______________, Malaysia, ______________ and the _______________.
It can grow to be ___ _________
(almost 1 meter) across and weigh up to
___ pounds (6.8 kg)! It is a ______________ plant, with no
visible leaves, roots, or stem.
It is known as the "corpse flower" because it smells like
____________ ____________.

Temperate vs. Tropical Rainforests

There are two different types of rainforests: temperate and tropical

rainforests. Both have very __________ vegetation.
Tropical rainforests, such as the __________ or __________ Basin, are more common. They
get much more _______ than temperate rainforests. For example, a temperate rainforest might
get 20-30 inches (50-75cm) of rain per year while a tropical rainforest gets many times that,
about ______-______ inches (_____-______ cm) of rain a year! Tropical rainforests are found
closer to the ____________ where it is warm.
Temperate rainforests are found near the cooler __________
areas further north or south of the equator. Temperate
rainforests are cool in the __________ and warm in the
__________. There are temperate rainforests in the Pacific
__________, Chile, Tasmania, _____________, Ireland,
Scotland, and ____________.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Rainforest Layers

Tropical rainforest can be divided into different sections.

A few trees may stick up above the rest of the canopy. Those are called ___________ trees.
At the top of the forest is a thick layer called the ___________. The
canopy may be over _____ feet (_____ m) above the ground. It is
made up of the overlapping branches and leaves of rainforest trees.
The canopy blocks much of the ___________ from reaching the
areas below.
Scientists estimate that ____-____ percent of life in the rainforest is
found in the trees. ___________, ___________, lizards, ___________,
___________, ___________, and cats are found in the canopy.
Below the canopy is the _____________. It includes small trees, shrubs, plants and
__________. ___________ are found in large numbers. Some common animals include
jaguars, lizards, ________, monkeys, frogs, and snakes. Many of
these animals spend a lot of time in the tree ___________ either
living off the insects or looking for ________ below.
The forest floor is usually __________ because the canopy blocks so much
of the light. Only plants that can tolerate ___________ grow there. Most
plant and animal life is not found on the forest ___________, but in the
leafy world of the ___________.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________
Rainforest Relationships

About ____% of all known plant and animal species live in the rainforest.
There is a delicate network of relationships between plants and animals. For
example, many plants depend on animals to spread their ___________ or
___________.

The Importance of Rainforests

Rainforests help stabilize the world's ___________ by absorbing ___________ ___________

from the atmosphere. Rainforests help to regulate the ___________ around the world and
regulate ___________ patterns as well. Rainforests also affect local weather conditions by
creating ______________ and moderating ______________.
About ____ of natural ______________ have been discovered in
rainforests. They hold enormous potential for future discoveries. For
example, _____% or more of the plants that are used to treat
____________ are found only in tropical rainforests.
People get many products from the rainforest such as
_________, nuts, __________, __________, cocoa, and
__________.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Rainforests

Rainforests are located near the equator in the hot, wet region called the tropics. These regions
get 70 to 180 inches (1.8-4.5 m) of rain each year!
You will find rainforests in:
South & Central America
Western and Central Africa
Madagascar
Southeast Asia
Australia
Amazon Rainforest

The world’s largest rainforest is located in the Amazon River

Basin of Brazil. A river basin is the portion of land drained by
a river and its tributaries.
The Amazon River is over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long. The
Amazon River is made up of over 1,100 tributaries.
It is estimated that about one-fifth
of all the water that runs off
Earth’s surface is carried by the
Amazon.
The Amazon Rainforest is 2.72
million square miles which is roughly the United States
(excluding Alaska & Hawaii). It covers almost 40 percent of the
South American continent. Nearly two-thirds of the Amazon
rainforest is found in Brazil.
The Amazon has an incredibly rich ecosystem – there are around
40,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, 3,000 types of fish, 430
mammals and an incredible 2.5 million different insects.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Congo Basin Rainforest

The Congo Basin is the second largest tropical rainforest in the

world. It is located in central Africa. Much of this rainforest is
located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Congo Basin Rainforest is
around 780,000 square miles (2
million sq. km), roughly the size of
Mexico or Saudi Arabia.
The Congo Basin Rainforest is very rainy. The average rainfall is
a little over 58 inches (1.47 meters) per year.
The Congo rainforest is known for its high levels of biodiversity,
including more than 600 tree species, 450 species of mammals,
1,000 species of birds and 700 species of fish.
Some of its most well-known animals include forest
elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, leopards, lions, hippos,
and okapi.

The Congo rainforest vegetation is so dense that many parts of it have never been seen by
humans. In the densest parts of the rainforest only 1% of the sunlight reaches the ground!

Rainforests of the World

Some of the other large rainforests of the world include the Bosawás
Biosphere Reserve located in northern Nicaragua. It is the second
largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, after the Amazon.
The Daintree Rainforest is located on the coast of Queensland, Australia. This
ancient rainforest was named after geologist and photographer Richard Daintree.
It is estimated to be over 165 million years old, making it the oldest tropical
rainforest in the world.
The Southeast Asian Rainforest stretches from India to Malaysia. These forests
were once the most biodiverse regions of the world before much of the land
was cleared for logging and farming.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

The Corpse Flower

The flower with the world's largest bloom is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This
rare flower is found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia including
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.
It can grow to be 3 feet (almost 1
meter) across and weigh up to 15
pounds (6.8 kg)! It is a parasitic plant, with no visible leaves,
roots, or stem.
It is known as the "corpse flower" because it smells like dead
flesh.

Temperate vs. Tropical Rainforests

There are two different types of rainforests: temperate and tropical

rainforests. Both have very dense vegetation.
Tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon or Congo Basin, are more common. They get much
more rain than temperate rainforests. For example, a temperate rainforest might get 20-30
inches (50-75 cm) of rain per year while a tropical rainforest gets many times that, about 100 to
200 inches (250 to 500 cm) of rain a year! Tropical rainforests are found closer to the equator
where it is warm.
Temperate rainforests are found near the cooler coastal areas
further north or south of the equator. Temperate rainforests
are cool in the winter and warm in the summer. There are
temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, Chile,
Tasmania, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and Norway.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Rainforest Layers

Tropical rainforest can be divided into different sections.

emergent layer

canopy
understory
forest floor
A few trees may stick up above the rest of the canopy. Those are called emergent trees.
At the top of the forest is a thick layer called the canopy. The canopy
may be over 100 feet (30 m) above the ground. It is made up of the
overlapping branches and leaves of rainforest trees. The canopy
blocks much of the sunlight from reaching the areas below.
Scientists estimate that 60-90 percent of life in the rainforest is found
in the trees. Birds, monkeys, lizards, frogs, snakes,
sloths, and cats are found in the canopy.
Below the canopy is the understory. It includes small trees, shrubs, plants and
vines. Insects are found in large numbers. Some common animals
include jaguars, lizards, bats, monkeys, frogs, and snakes. Many of
these animals spend a lot of time in the tree branches either living
off the insects or looking for prey below.
The forest floor is usually dark because the canopy blocks so much of the
light. Only plants that can tolerate shade grow there. Most plant and
animal life is not found on the forest floor, but in the leafy world of the
canopy.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Rainforest Relationships

About 50% of all known plant and animal species live in the rainforest.
There is a delicate network of relationships between plants and animals.
For example, many plants depend on animals to spread their pollen or
seeds.

The Importance of Rainforests

Rainforests help stabilize the world's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Rainforests help to regulate the temperatures around the world and regulate weather patterns as
well. Rainforests also affect local weather conditions by creating rainfall and moderating
temperatures.
About 1/4 of natural medicines have been discovered in rainforests. They
hold enormous potential for future discoveries. For example, 70% or more
of the plants that are used to treat cancer are found only in tropical
rainforests.
People get many products from the rainforest such as fruits, nuts,
rubber, coffee, cocoa, and wood.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Rainforest Layers

emergent layer

canopy
understory
forest floor
Emergent Layer: _________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Canopy: ________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Understory: ____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________
Forest Floor: ____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________
©homeschoolden.com
 Name: __________________________

Rainforest Layers

_________________: _____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________: _____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________: _____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________
_________________: _____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________
©homeschoolden.com
 Rainforest Layers Understory
Tropical rainforest can be divided into Below the canopy is the understory. It
different sections. includes small trees, shrubs, plants and
vines. Insects are found in large numbers
At the top of the forest is a thick layer as are common animals such as jaguars,
called the canopy. The canopy may be lizards, bats, monkeys, frogs, and snakes.
over 100 feet (30 m) above the ground. Many of these animals spend a lot of
It is made up of the overlapping branches time in the tree branches either living off
and leaves of rainforest trees. The the insects or looking for prey below.
canopy blocks much of the sunlight from
reaching the areas below.
A few trees may stick up above the rest
of the canopy. Those are called
emergent trees. understory
canopy forest floor
The forest floor is usually dark because
Scientists estimate the canopy blocks so much of the light.
that 60-90 percent of Only plants that can tolerate shade grow
life in the rainforest is there. Most plant and animal life is not
found in the trees. Birds, monkeys, found on the forest floor, but in the
lizards, frogs, snakes, sloths, and small leafy world of the canopy.
cats are found in the canopy. ©homeschoolden.com
 Amazon Rainforest Packet
Made by Liesl, homeschoolden.com

©homeschoolden.com
Copyright Notice:
Feel free to make as many copies as you need for your kids or the students in your
classroom.
This file may not be shared with others.
This file may not be uploaded to any file sharing website.
You may not reproduce, repackage, or redistribute the contents of homeschoolden.com
downloads, in whole or in part, for any reason.
Photo Credit: Brown Basilisk image purchased for use in this packet: Brown Basilisk ©Scott Linstead
Other images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Pixabay.com
 Contents:
Amazon Rainforest Facts – Notebook pages and answers pp. 29-30
Amazon Rainforest Biodiversity and Deforestation pp. 31-32
Map Work --South America – Brazil pp. 33-34
Amazon River Notebook Page and answers pp. 36-37
Average Rainfall in Temperate vs. Tropical Climates (Activity) pp. 38-39
Amazonian Animals Montessori 3-Part Cards pp. 40-44
Amazonian Animals Matching Page and answer sheet pp. 45-46
Animals of the Amazon Blank Research Cards pp. 47-57
Amazon Animal Fun Fact Pages pp. 59-61
Insects of the Amazon pp. 62-63
Insects of the Amazon, Montessori 3-Part Cards pp. 64-65
Insects of the Amazon Matching Page and Answer Sheet 66-67
Insects of the Amazon blank research cards pp. 68-70
Layers of the Rainforest Activities pp. 71-75
Rainforest Plants 83-84
 Name: _______________________________

Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest on earth. It
represents over _______________ of the planet's remaining
rainforests. It covers approximately _______ million square miles.

The Amazon spreads out over _______ countries. About 60% of

the Amazon rainforest is in _________________. It also includes
territory in ______________, ______________, Colombia,
Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Generally, it weather is ______________ and ______________, with the average temperature

around _________° F (27.1° C).

This region has the largest collection of plants and animals in the world. There are
approximately ____________million different species of plants, animals and insects living in
the Amazon. Most of them have not been described. Animal and plant species that are found
here are often not found anywhere else.

There are at least ______________ plant species. Earth receives __________% of its oxygen
from the Amazon. There are ______________ fruits that are native to the Amazon.

The Amazon is home to ______________ different types of mammals.

______________ of all birds species live in the Amazon. There are approximately 1,300 types
of birds.

There are ______________ types of amphibians and more than ______________ types of
reptiles.

There are ______________ freshwater fish species.

©homeschoolden.com
 Answers

Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest on earth. It
represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests. It covers
approximately 2.5 million square miles.

The Amazon spreads out over nine countries. About 60% of the
Amazon rainforest is in Brazil. It also includes territory in Peru,
Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and
French Guiana.

Generally, it weather is hot and humid with the average temperature around 80.7° F (27.1° C).

This region has the largest collection of plants and animals in the world. There are
approximately 5 million different species of plants, animals and insects living in the Amazon.
Most of them have not been described. Animal and plant species that are found here are often
not found anywhere else.

There are at least 40,000 plant species. Earth receives 20% of its oxygen from the Amazon.
There are 3000 fruits that are native to the Amazon.

The Amazon is home to 427 different types of mammals.

One third of all birds species live in the Amazon. There are approximately 1,300 types of birds.

There are 400 types of amphibians and more than 370 types of reptiles.

There are 3,000 freshwater fish species.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________

Amazon Rainforest Biodiversity * Deforestation

What is biodiversity?

What is deforestation?

• ___________ million acres of the rainforest are burned each year which amounts to approximately
_________ per second
• _________% of land deforested in the Amazon since 1970, is used for livestock pasture
• Two highways successfully opened up the rainforest. This has led to increased
_______________________ and _______________________
• From 2002 to 2006, the conserved land in the Amazon rainforest has almost tripled and deforestation
rates have dropped up to 60%.

What are some of the effects of deforestation?

_______ species of rainforest plants, animals and insects become extinct every day.

_________ of the plants known to have anti-cancer properties are found in the Amazon. Modern science
has not even yet studied _______% of the plants used for this purpose by the Amazon's native tribes.

The continual burning of the rainforest produces about ___________% of the earth's carbon emissions.

Rainforests need more food than other forests because they support so many vines and plants. The layer
of leaf litter is only a few inches deep. This makes for poor farming when the rainforests are cut down.
Furthermore, without the trees, plants and root systems, the thin layer of good soil quickly washes away.

1992 2006

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________

Amazon Rainforest Biodiversity * Deforestation

What is biodiversity?

the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or

ecosystem

What is deforestation? The conversion of forested areas to

non-forested areas

• 2.7 million acres of the rainforest are burned each year which amounts to approximately 1.5
acres per second
• 91% of land deforested in the Amazon since 1970, is used for livestock pasture
• Two highways successfully opened up the rainforest. This has led to increased settlement and
deforestation.
• From 2002 to 2006, the conserved land in the Amazon rainforest has almost tripled and
deforestation rates have dropped up to 60%
What are some of the effects of deforestation?

137 species of rainforest plants, animals and insects become extinct every day.

Seventy percent of the plants known to have anti-cancer properties are found in the Amazon. Modern
science has not even yet studied 90% of the plants used for this purpose by the Amazon's native tribes.

The continual burning of the rainforest produces about 30% of the earth's carbon emissions.

Rainforests need more food than other forests because they support so many vines and plants. The layer
of leaf litter is only a few inches deep. This makes for poor farming when the rainforests are cut down.
Furthermore, without the trees, plants and root systems, the thin layer of good soil quickly washes away.

1992 2006

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: ______________________________

The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is located in South America.
Color South America in GREEN.

About 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil, 13% is in Peru

and about 10% is in Columbia.

Color the country of Brazil in PURPLE.

Color the country of Peru in RED.

Color the country of Columbia in BLUE.

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 Name: ______________________________

The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is located in

South America.
Color South America in GREEN.

About 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is

located in Brazil.
Color the country of Brazil in PURPLE.

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 Note:
Our family listened to the catchy song, Rock the Capitals,
South America. In no time at all, the kids were able to recite
many of the countries and capitals of South America. (My
daughter shocked everyone by using one of the capitals in a
game of Scattergories!!) I highly recommend you check
out this youtube video/song and sing along!!
Rock the Capitals South America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw1H8aIhKNk

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 Name: _______________________________

Amazon River
The Amazon River is ______________ miles long. It runs
through ______________, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela,
Guyana, Bolivia, and ___________________.
Millions of years ago, the Amazon River once flowed from
east to west, emptying into the ________________ Ocean.
When the ________________
Mountains began to rise (due to
great pressure on the tectonic plates)
along the eastern side of the South
American continent about 20
million years ago, this emerging
mass blocked the flow of the Amazon River. Freshwater lakes formed as
a result, and the flow of the river gradually reversed to its current eastern
course. About 10 million years ago, the river reached the ________________ Ocean.
The Amazon contains the largest number of freshwater fish species in the
world. There are over ________________ known species of fish that live in
the Amazon River.
The rainy season is from November to
June. Rains peak in
________________; the
remaining months become
progressively drier.
The area covered by water
in the Amazon isn’t constant; it varies wildly
with the change of seasons. The várzea—
flooded forest—is inundated every May by rain and Andean snowmelt. During
the rainy season, the Amazon can reach ______________________ in width!
The Amazon carries a large volume of water
contributing __________% of global river runoff to the
oceans. The river discharges over 1.5 ________________ liters of
water daily into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to NASA, seasonal increases and decreases in the volume of
water flowing through the Amazon River have a measurable impact on the Earth’s gravity field
over equatorial South America over the course of the year!
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 Answers

Amazon River
The Amazon River is 4,345 miles long. It runs through
Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Bolivia,
and Brazil.
Millions of years ago, the Amazon River once flowed from
east to west, emptying into the Pacific Ocean. When the
Andes Mountains began to rise (due
to great pressure on the tectonic
plates) along the eastern side of the
South American continent about 20
million years ago, this emerging
mass blocked the flow of the
Amazon River. Freshwater lakes formed as a result, and the flow of the
river gradually reversed to its current eastern course. About 10 million
years ago, the river reached the Atlantic Ocean.
The Amazon contains the largest number of freshwater fish species in the
world. There are over 3,000 known species of fish that live in the Amazon
River.
The rainy season is from November to June.
Rains peak in May; the
remaining months become
progressively drier.
The area covered by water in the
Amazon isn’t constant; it varies wildly with
the change of seasons. The várzea—flooded
forest—is inundated every May by rain and
Andean snowmelt. During the rainy season, the Amazon can reach 120 miles in
width!
The Amazon carries a large volume of water contributing 20% of
global river runoff to the oceans. The river discharges over 1.5
trillion liters of water daily into the Atlantic Ocean.
According to NASA, seasonal increases and decreases in the volume
of water flowing through the Amazon River have a measurable
impact on the Earth’s gravity field over equatorial South America
over the course of the year!
©homeschoolden.com
 Amazon Math Activity
Average Rainfall in Temperate vs. Tropical Climates
The Amazon is a tropical rainforest. There are no seasons -- spring, summer, fall, winter. It is
warm all the time. This area gets a lot of rain.
Temperate climates have seasons. They get much less rain.
You need a tape measure for this activity:
On the side of the house or along the wall of your classroom if you have high ceilings, measure
out 30 to 40 inches. This is how much rain temperate climates get (on average).
Research: What is the average annual precipitation of your city or state? __________________
• US average precipitation is 39.1 inches
• Massachusetts average annual precipitation: 47.7 inches
• New Jersey average annual precipitation: 47.1 inches
• Tennessee average annual precipitation: 54.2 inches
• Kansas average annual precipitation: 28.9 inches
• Colorado average annual precipitation: 15.9 inches
• Arizona average annual precipitation: 13.6 inches
• Oregon average annual precipitation: 27.4 inches
• Hawaii average annual precipitation: 63.7 inches

Now measure out 59 inches (4 feet 11 inches) and 118 inches (9 feet 10 inches). This is how
much rain falls in the Amazon Rainforest on average per year. Some areas get less rain (like
mountainous areas, the southern and western areas of the Amazon) – 59 inches. Other areas
have high amounts of rainfall – 118 inches!
During the rainy season, the Amazon can reach 120 miles in width!
 Amazon Math Activity
Average Rainfall in Temperate vs. Tropical Climates
 Using the Picture Cards
Montessori Style 3-Part Cards:

If you have kids who are 4-6 years old, you can use the following pages as 3-part cards. Print
out two copies of the cards on cardstock.

Cut one set apart with the picture and names together. Cut the other set apart so the pictures
and names are separate.

Have the kids match the pictures and then have them match the name cards.

File Folder Matching Game: You can create a file folder game with these cards for easy
storage. Glue the pages directly onto a file folder Cut the second cards apart (as pictured below
right). Staple or tape a plastic Ziploc bag to the file folder to store the loose cards.

Older Kids:

Cut the picture and names apart and play a “memory” game with them. Place the cards face
down. Flip over one picture card. Then flip over one name card. If you get a match, you get to
keep the pair and draw again. The player with the most pairs at the end “wins.”

Use the cards as reference cards for the matching page in the packet. Same ink and paper by
printing two or four pages per page.

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Amazon Rainforest Iguana Golden Lion Tamarin

Cottontop Tamarin Anaconda Poison Dart Frog

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Yellow-Banded Poison
Kinkajou Amazon River Dolphin
Dart Frog

Brown Basilisk
Macaw Jaguar
(Jesus Lizard)
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 Sloth Tapir Capybara

Giant Anteater Spider Monkey Red-Bellied Piranha

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Howler Monkey Caiman Caecilian

Toucan Emerald Tree Boa Harpy Eagle

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 Name: ____________________________________

Animals of the Rainforest

1. Giant Anteater
2. Kinkajou
3. Caecilian
4. Capybara
5. Jaguar
6. Cottontop tamarin
7. Anaconda
8. Red-bellied Piranha
9. Howler Monkey
10. Yellow-banded poison dart
frog
11. Macaw
12. Sloth
13. Iguana
14. Brown basilisk (Jesus Lizard)
15. Golden lion tamarin
16. Tapir
17. Toucan
18. Amazon River Dolphin
19. Caiman

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: ____________________________________

6 Animals of the Rainforest

1. Giant Anteater 13
2. Kinkajou

18 3. Caecilian
4. Capybara 10
5. Jaguar
6. Cottontop tamarin
7
16 7. Anaconda
8. Red-bellied Piranha
9. Howler Monkey
10. Yellow-banded poison dart
frog 9
11
11. Macaw
12. Sloth
12
3
13. Iguana
14. Brown basilisk (Jesus Lizard)
15. Golden lion tamarin
1 16. Tapir 19
17. Toucan
18. Amazon River Dolphin
17 19. Caiman 4
14 8 5
2
15

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 A few pages for the younger crowd:

While older kids might want to do their own research

choosing from the blank cards above, younger
students can use (one or more of) the tracing pages
on the following pages to learn a few fun facts of their
own.
 Name: ______________________________

The Amazon Rainforest: Fun Facts!

The poison dart frogs got their name

because hunters would tip their arrows in
the frog’s poisons.

The golden poison dart frog can kill

20,000 mice!
The Brown Basilisk is sometimes called
the Jesus Lizard
because it can run
on water!

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: ______________________________

The Amazon Rainforest: Fun Facts!

Sloths are among the slowest moving

animals on Earth.

Sloths can extend their tongues 10 to 12

inches out of their mouths!
The capybara is the world’s largest
rodent. They grow to be 4 feet long!

What are some other rodents? rats, mice

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 Name: ______________________________

The Amazon Rainforest: Fun Facts!

The toucan’s coloring

acts as camouflage in
the rainforest. Their
beaks are sometimes
mistaken for fruit.

The green anaconda is the largest snake

in the world. The average size is 20 feet
long and 300 pounds!
©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________

Rainforest Insects
The rainforest ___________________ is where the greatest abundance of species of insects can
be found. Insects are almost inseparable from _________________ because
they require each other to survive. In the Amazon, most species of plants
have only one species of moth or beetle to pollinate them successfully.
Many insect species only live on a few acres range which makes them
vulnerable to ____________________ with
_________________________.
The Amazon rainforest may house as many as _____________ species of insects,
although only a tiny fraction of this number has been described by scientists.
Some scientists estimate that _________% of the animal biomass of the Amazon
Basin is made up of _______________.
One tree was home to more than ___________ different species of beetle!

There are ____________ species of butterfly in the rainforest compared to

20,000 worldwide.
Titan Beetle: (Pictured right) Is the largest of all beetles. It can
grow to be more than _____ inches. It can fly, but it can’t get into
the air from the ground. It has to climb trees and launch itself into the
air.
Goliath Birdeater Spider: Goliath Bird Eating Spider is the
largest spider in the world. It can have a leg span of ______ inches.
It is one of the 300 species of tarantula living around the world. They
feed on frogs, small snakes, beetles, lizards, and even bats and small
birds.

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 Name: _______________________________

Rainforest Insects
The rainforest canopy is where the greatest abundance of species of insects can be found.
Insects are almost inseparable from plants because they require each other
to survive. In the Amazon, most species of plants have only one species of
moth or beetle to pollinate them successfully.
Many insect species only live on a few acres range which makes them
vulnerable to extinction with deforestation.
The Amazon rainforest may house as many as 2.5 million species of insects,
although only a tiny fraction of this number has been described by scientists.
Some scientists estimate that 30% of the animal biomass of the Amazon Basin is
made up of ants.
One tree was home to more than 700 different species of beetle!
There are 7,000 species of butterfly in the rainforest compared to
20,000 worldwide.

Titan Beetle: (Pictured right) Is the largest of all beetles. It can

grow to be more than 6 inches. It can fly, but it can’t get into the air
from the ground. It has to climb trees and launch itself into the air.
Goliath Birdeater Spider: Goliath Bird Eating Spider is the
largest spider in the world. It can have a leg span of 10 inches. It is
one of the 300 species of tarantula living around the world. They feed
on frogs, small snakes, beetles, lizards, and even bats and small birds.

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 Titan beetle
Leaf Cutter Ant Army Ants These can grow to be more than 6 inches!

Tropical Skimmer Bugs and Insects

Mosquitoes
Dragonfly Macrambyx suturalis
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 Goliath Bird-Eating
Scorpion Jewel Beetle
Spider

Archaeoprepona meander
butterfly
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 Name: ____________________________________

Insects of the Rainforest

1. Goliath Bird-Eating Spider

2. Tropical Skimmer Dragonfly
3. Jewel Beetle
4. Army ants
5. Titan Beetle
6. Scorpion
7. Archaeoprepona meander
butterfly
8. Mosquitoes
9. Leaf Cutter ants

©homeschoolden.com
 Answers

Insects of the Rainforest

7 3

1. Goliath Bird-Eating Spider

2. Tropical Skimmer Dragonfly

6 3. Jewel Beetle
4. Army ants
8
5. Titan Beetle
6. Scorpion
7. Archaeoprepona meander
butterfly

2
8. Mosquitoes 4
9. Leaf Cutter ants

1
5 9

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 Layers of the Rainforest Activity
(Directions for pages 44-48) Draw a picture of the 4 layers of the rainforest in the
middle section. (If you have younger students, you might want to use the
illustrations provided or you can use the samples as examples for your student/s.)

Students can do their own research about the different layers of the rainforest and
fill in the area on the right, or they can cut out the descriptions provided and glue it
onto the page.

A good resource for researching the layers of the rainforest.

Read the information found on these pages. Write a short summary about each layer.

http://www.tropical-rainforest-facts.com/Tropical-Rainforest-Layer-Facts/Tropical-Rainforest-Emergent-Layer-Facts.shtml

On the day that our family did the layers of the rainforest activity, we did the notebook
page about Rainforest Plants (see pages 56-57) and talked about lianas and epiphytes.

My kids drew their own pictures of the layers of the rainforest, but you can print out
copies of the layers and have the kids glue them in (page 48) if your kids don’t want to
draw.

We read The Great Kapok Tree (about the effects deforestation has on the Amazon Rainforest). This book has
beautiful drawings of the animals of the rainforest.

We also started Adventures in the Rainforest, Discovering Biodiversity. This is about two kids who accompany
their uncle to a field camp in the Amazon rainforest. There the kids learn what scientists do as they study
rainforest plants, aquatic systems, invertebrates, frogs and snakes, birds, and mammals. The kids learn about
some of the methods used by scientists as they study each of these different areas. This book will probably take
you several days to read as well, but it covers some excellent information in a way that is accessible to kids.

We then read more of Adventures in the Rainforest, the day that we did the other rainforest layer pages.
 Layers of the Rainforest
Draw a picture of the layers of the rainforest. Describe each layer:

Emergent

Canopy

Understory

Forest Floor
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 Answers
Layers of the Rainforest

Emergent layer is also known as the sunlit

zone. This is the area with the tallest trees and

Emergent
plants. This layer is very windy. Birds and
insects of this layer help pollinate the plants of
the rainforest. Sloths and spider monkeys plus
macaws, hummingbirds, bats, snakes and other
animals live in this layer.

This is the umbrella-like layer which includes

branches, vines, and trees of different sizes.

Canopy
About 80% of the sunlight is absorbed in this
layer. Most rainfall is captured by this layer as
well. Food (fruit, seeds, etc.) is plentiful in this
layer. Animals of this layer include squirrel
monkeys, bats, snakes, tree frogs and toucans.

This layer is also called the strata. It is hot and

wet here, so insects and mosquitoes thrive here.

Understory
Common animals include bats, monkeys,
snakes, lizards, jaguars, frogs, geckoes, birds,
and others. Plants include mostly smaller trees,
low lying shrubs, ferns, climbing plants and
native bananas.

This is the ground layer and almost no sunlight

reaches this part of the rainforest. Because it is

Forest Floor
dark and moist, things decay quickly here.
Jaguar and tapir live here as well as insects,
amphibians, reptiles, scorpions, army ants, and
others. Very little vegetation can survive here,
just low lying plants like ferns, moss, etc.

©homeschoolden.com
 Descriptions of each layer.
Cut out the description of each layer of the rainforest and glue it onto the page.

Emergent layer is also known as the sunlit Emergent layer is also known as the sunlit
zone. This is the area with the tallest trees and zone. This is the area with the tallest trees and
plants. This layer is very windy. Birds and plants. This layer is very windy. Birds and
insects of this layer help pollinate the plants insects of this layer help pollinate the plants
of the rainforest. Sloths and spider monkeys of the rainforest. Sloths and spider monkeys
plus macaws, hummingbirds, bats, snakes and plus macaws, hummingbirds, bats, snakes and
other animals live in this layer. other animals live in this layer.

This is the umbrella-like layer which includes This is the umbrella-like layer which includes
branches, vines, and trees of different sizes. branches, vines, and trees of different sizes.
About 80% of the sunlight is absorbed in this About 80% of the sunlight is absorbed in this
layer. Most rainfall is captured by this layer as layer. Most rainfall is captured by this layer as
well. Food (fruit, seeds, etc.) is plentiful in this well. Food (fruit, seeds, etc.) is plentiful in this
layer. Animals of this layer include squirrel layer. Animals of this layer include squirrel
monkeys, bats, snakes, tree frogs and toucans. monkeys, bats, snakes, tree frogs and toucans.

The understory is also called the strata. It is The understory is also called the strata. It is
hot and wet here, so insects and mosquitoes hot and wet here, so insects and mosquitoes
thrive here. Common animals include bats, thrive here. Common animals include bats,
monkeys, snakes, lizards, jaguars, frogs, monkeys, snakes, lizards, jaguars, frogs,
geckoes, birds, and others. Plants include geckoes, birds, and others. Plants include
mostly smaller trees, low lying shrubs, ferns, mostly smaller trees, low lying shrubs, ferns,
climbing plants and native bananas. climbing plants and native bananas.

This is the ground layer and almost no sunlight This is the ground layer and almost no sunlight
reaches this part of the rainforest. Because it is reaches this part of the rainforest. Because it is
dark and moist, things decay quickly here. dark and moist, things decay quickly here.
Jaguar and tapir live here as well as insects, Jaguar and tapir live here as well as insects,
amphibians, reptiles, scorpions, army ants, and amphibians, reptiles, scorpions, army ants, and
others. Very little vegetation can survive here, others. Very little vegetation can survive here,
just low lying plants like ferns, moss, etc. just low lying plants like ferns, moss, etc.

©homeschoolden.com
Layers of the Rainforest:

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Trees in the Rainforest grow to be almost twice as
tall as trees in a temperate forest.
Rainforests have more types of trees than temperate-
zone forests in the same amount of space (almost 25
200 feet times more!).
Most trees and plants in the rainforest do not lose
their leaves all at once.
Temperate forests usually lose their leaves in the fall.
150 feet
The layer of compost in a rainforest is only a few
inches deep. Plants need the nutrients from this
compost and use up the food quite quickly because so
much plant life is supported in the rainforest.
100 feet
Rainforest

Temperate Forest

Rainforest Temperate Forest Compost layer

What happens when people cut down rainforests for farms? Compost layer

Any available nutrients are depleted quickly by farming. Furthermore, much

of the top-soil washes away because there are no plant roots to keep the soil
©homeschoolden.com
in place.
 Rainforests have more types of trees than temperate-
Trees in the Rainforest grow to be almost twice as zone forests in the same amount of space (almost
tall as trees in a temperate forest. ________ times more!).
Most trees and plants in the rainforest ___________
__________________________________________
200 feet
Temperate forests usually _____________________
__________________________________________

150 feet
The layer of compost in a rainforest is ___________
___________. Plants need the _________________
from this compost and use up the food quite quickly
because so much plant life is supported in the
rainforest.
100 feet
Rainforest

Temperate Forest

Rainforest Temperate Forest Compost layer

What happens when people cut down rainforests for farms? Compost layer

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 Rainforest Animals
Where do these animals live?
Emergent? Canopy? Understory? Forest Floor?

Cut these pictures out and paste them onto the proper rainforest layer on the next page.
©homeschoolden.com
 Rainforest Animals

Emergent

Canopy

Understory

Forest Floor

©homeschoolden.com
 Answers
Note: Many animals live in different layers.

Emergent Layer
Sloths, spider monkeys, and tamarin plus macaws, hummingbirds, bats, snakes and other
animals live in this layer.

Canopy
Animals of this layer include squirrel monkeys, bats, snakes, tree frogs and toucans, tamarin,
howler monkey, macaw, sloth, iguana, tree frogs. Jaguars and leopards also spend time here.
The greatest abundance of insects are found in the canopy.

Understory
Common animals include bats, monkeys, snakes, lizards, jaguars, frogs, geckoes, kinkajou,
brown basilisk, leaf cutter ant, mosquitoes, stick insects, spiders, dragonflies, birds, and others.

Forest Floor
Jaguar, capybara, giant anteaters and tapir live here as well as insects, amphibians, reptiles,
scorpions, army ants, and others. Also, the amphibians - caecilian, anaconda, red-bellied
piranha, yellow-banded poison dart frog, Amazon River dolphin, caiman, leaf cutter ants, army
ants, titan beetle, dragonflies, scorpions, goliath bird-eating spider (has its burrow here).

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________
Rainforest Layers
Which picture best represents each rainforest layer?

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________
Rainforest Layers
Which picture best represents each rainforest layer?

Understory

Emergent Layer

Forest Floor

Canopy

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________

Rainforest Plants
An ___________________ is a plant that
grows harmlessly on other plants (such
as a tree). They get water and nutrients
from the _____________,
_____________, and sometimes from
the debris that accumulates around it.
There are at least ________________
types of epiphytes in rainforests around
the world.
Many epiphytes are shaped to collect rainwater. A big one can
hold up to ___________ gallons!
Many different species of animals can live in one epiphyte (up to ________ species!). That can
include frogs, lizards, snakes, beetles, dragonflies, ants, and even crabs.
Left: Upper Amazon Tree Frog
found in the upper Amazon Basin
of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia,
Ecuador, and Peru. Its eggs are laid
out of the water on leaves whereas
the tadpoles develop in the water.

Left and below right: What are the climbing

plants that use trees to climb up to the canopy
called? _______________

To the left:
_________________ roots
support Amazonian trees
in shallow soil.

©homeschoolden.com
 Name: _______________________________

Rainforest Plants
An epiphyte is a plant that grows
harmlessly on other plants (such as a
tree). They get water and nutrients from
the air, rain, and sometimes from the
debris that accumulates around it.
There are at least 30,000 types of
epiphytes in rainforests around the
world.
Many epiphytes are shaped to collect
rainwater. A big one can hold up to 10 gallons!
Many different species of animals can live in one epiphyte (up to
200 species!). That can include frogs, lizards, snakes, beetles, dragonflies, ants, and even crabs.
Left: Upper Amazon Tree Frog
found in the upper Amazon Basin
of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia,
Ecuador, and Peru. Its eggs are laid
out of the water on leaves whereas
the tadpoles develop in the water.

Left and below right: What are the climbing

plants that use trees to climb up to the canopy
called? lianas

To the left: buttress roots

support Amazonian trees
in shallow soil.

©homeschoolden.com
 Create your own Rainforest Diorama
Include the 4 layers of the rainforest and the Amazon River. Have fun!
Include lianas, epiphytes and other features of the rainforest.
Here is the rainforest diorama that my girls made for this unit.
Other Resources
Safari Rainforest Toob: If you have younger kids, you might want to get the plastic animal rainforest set.
When my kids were younger, they enjoyed matching the plastic animals to the animal cards. This set includes a
red and blue macaw, red eye tree frog, poison dart frog, caiman, emerald tree boa, toucan, iguana, anteater,
spider monkey, tapir, and a jaguar.

Melissa and Doug Rainforest Puzzle (100 pieces): This giant floor puzzle was *such* a huge hit with my girls
(9 and 11). It is nearly 4 feet long. It includes a page about each of the animals shown in the puzzle.

Research Cards:

In this packet, there are lined research cards. Have your kids choose 2 or 3 animals they would like to learn
more about. Have them research and write up what they learned on the card.

The BBC has beautiful photos and short write-ups about many of the animals in this packet.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/places/Amazon_Basin

The Amazon Rainforest, Documentaries on Amazon Prime:

Army Ant vs. Land Crab video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JniO9aQmLY

The Amazon Documentary

Venture far up the least inhabited river in the Amazon Basin:The Rio Negro. Travel with award-winning
filmmaker Marlin Darrah to explore areas rarely visited. The goal is to find the mysterious life of the wilderness
that stirs in the forest and in the heart of pristine nature. Traveling aboard the unique Amazon adventure boat
Tucano and explore some of the most untouched rainforest in Brazil.
Wild Life Documentary
This breathtaking series aims at discovering why two very different regions of the planet, very far away from
each other, are so rich in biodiversity. Central America is a strip of land connecting two large land masses, a
small region with an extraordinary natural richness. The Iberian Peninsula is the most bio-diverse region in
Europe, acting as an umbilical cord between Africa and Europe.
The Battle for the Amazon, Documentary
The struggle and survival of the Amazon Basin's Xingu community is depicted in this doc. The Xingu have
guarded tropical rainforests of the Amazon for centuries. However, a giant dam being built in the Basin will
change their way of life forever.
Explore the Wildlife Kingdom: Golden River, Secrets of The Amazon
The Amiga River Basin is the largest rainforest on earth. Truly, this area is one of the world's most beautiful
and unspoiled places. Known as the Golden River it is host to some of the most remarkable and fascinating
wildlife on earth. And the world's aquariums glisten with some of the most unusual and spectacular amphibian
and aquatic life. Dive in and discover the secrets of The Golden River.
Rainforest Plants Activity
I created some Montessori 3-part cards about rainforest plants that we have used a couple of
times over the years. The last time, was when we did our Biology Unit about biomes, biological
relationships, etc. When we touched on the rainforest biome we did a really fun activity about
plants. This included smelling things like cinnamon, nutmeg, banana and a rubber tire and
trying to identify the plant they came from.
If you are interested, these are cards free to download on the blog. Rainforest Plant Cards
Our FREE Rainforest Plant Cards are at this post:
http://homeschoolden.com/2016/01/26/plants-of-the-rain-forest-activity-with-free-rain-
forest-plant-cards/