Recently, we have been exploring the fascinating Amazon Rainforest in Geography.
We started by investigating the layers of the rainforest, matching plants and animals to their correct habitat. We discovered that the emergent layer is home to soaring eagles and bright macaws, while the forest floor is where jaguars and tapirs roam.
Building on this, we turned our attention to how humans interact with the rainforest. In our latest lesson, we worked in groups to rank different ways humans use the Amazon, from logging and farming to tourism and conservation. There were some fantastic discussions as we debated which activities had the most significant impact, both positive and negative.
Some of us argued that farming and mining provide jobs for people, while others pointed out the devastating effects of deforestation on wildlife and Indigenous communities. To challenge our thinking, we even considered possible solutions, such as replanting trees and using resources more sustainably. In our books, we had to justify our reasoning
This was a brilliant opportunity to develop our debating and reasoning skills, and we all left the lesson with a much deeper understanding of why the Amazon is so important, not just for the people who live there, but for the entire planet.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about how humans use the Amazon Rainforest, and why do you think it is important?
