Where in the world are the Rainforests?

14.4.21

Year four made great use of their mapping skills to locate and identify the world’s rainforests in our first Geography lesson this term. The children were able to describe how the rainforest localities were based around the equator and between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer and are using increasingly more geographical vocabulary with confidence. We explored the other rainforest localities and discussed how it’s a common misconception that the Amazon is the world’s only rainforest. The children were also able to draw many cross curriculum links to our English text, The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry which is a tale, based in the Amazon, warning against deforestation.

Connor made links between the cartoon Madagascar that he had seen and it being a Rainforest setting.

Harley quickly located the continent using his existing knowledge.

 

What on earth is a Biome?

 21.4.21

In our second lesson, the children were introduced to the term ‘Biome’. We looked at the patterns of biome distributions across the earth and discussed how the world’s climate zones affect what grows and lives there, creating these distinct biomes. Year four were able to make super generalisations about the conditions within the biome based in their locality.

We also explored the difference in the three main types of forest biome; the Rainforest, the Temperate/Deciduous Forest and the  Boreal Forests and examined where they were situated in the world and how the trees had adapted to life in that climate.

Through discussion, the pupils were able to link their understanding of Biomes to their previous knowledge, when they learned about the deserts of Egypt in the Autumn term and in Y2 when they learned about the cold deserts of the polar regions.  

 

 

What is it like in a Rainforest?

28.4.21

During the third lesson, the teachers were really impressed with the enquiry skills that the children demonstrated when they worked as a team to; learn more about the layers of the Rainforest, discover what the conditions are like and name what grows and lives within each layer.  The children researched the layers using videos, photos and text to inform their planning. Notes were made, discussions were held and the children were being specific, naming the animals and vegetation to ensure that their work was accurate. Year Four then went on to produce beautifully annotated diagrams which they were able to explain with confidence and enthusiasm. Especially Evie, when it comes to talking about tarantulas!!!