In this workshop we explore the conditions in our rainforest glasshouse and the adaptations plants have evolved to thrive there. We discuss some of the threats faced by rainforests and share conservation stories of rare plants cared for by the Botanic Garden. Back in the classroom pupils look at the range of economic plants provided by the rainforest, consider the farming methods used to grow them and the impact these methods have. Focusing on chocolate, pupils learn how this can be grown with less harm to the ecosystem – and how as consumers we can influence this.
Availability
This workshop is available year round.
Pupils will
- Learn about the high biodiversity in the tropical rainforest
- Learn how plants are adapted for the conditions in this habitat (competition for light, high rainfall, relatively poor soils)
- Learn about the large number of goods and services provided to people from the rainforest
- Discover ways that economic exploitation of the rainforest is impacting on this habitat
- Learn about how changes in farming methods can reduce habitat loss
Curriculum links
| KS4 AQA The Living World – Tropical Rainforests | Tropical rainforest ecosystems have a range of distinctive characteristics.
The physical characteristics of a tropical rainforest. The interdependence of climate, water, soils, plants, animals and people. How plants and animals adapt to the physical conditions. Issues related to biodiversity. Tropical rainforests need to be managed to be sustainable. Value of tropical rainforests to people and the environment. Strategies used to manage the rainforest sustainably – selective logging and replanting, conservation and education, ecotourism and international agreements about the use of tropical hardwoods, debt reduction.
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| KS4 AQA The Living World – hot deserts | Hot desert ecosystems have a range of distinctive characteristics.
The physical characteristics of a hot desert. The interdependence of climate, water, soils, plants, animals and people. How plants and animals adapt to the physical conditions. Issues related to biodiversity. |
| KS4 Edexcel Tropical rainforests | Tropical rainforests show a range of distinguishing features.
a. Biotic and abiotic characteristics of the tropical rainforest ecosystem (climate, soils, water, plants, animals and humans). b. The interdependence of biotic and abiotic characteristics (climate, soils, water, plants, animals and humans) and the nutrient cycle (Gersmehl model). (4) c. Why rainforests have very high biodiversity and how plants (stratified layers, buttress roots, drip tips) and animals (strong limbs, modified wings and beaks, camouflage) are adapted to that environment. Tropical rainforest ecosystems provide a range of goods and services some of which are under threat. Examples of goods and services provided by tropical rainforest ecosystems (food stuffs, medicines, timber and recreation). |
| KS4 OCR
Tropical rainforests |
What biodiversity exists in tropical rainforests?
The distinctive characteristics of a tropical rainforest ecosystem, including the climate, nutrient cycle, soil profile and water cycle. • The interdependence of climate, soil, water, plants, animals and human activity in tropical rainforests. Why are tropical rainforests being ‘exploited’ and how can this be managed sustainably. Explore the value of tropical rainforests through the study of their goods and services. • Human impacts in the tropical rainforest from activities such as logging, mineral extraction, agriculture and tourism. |
Complimentary self led activities
If you are looking for ideas of activities to self-lead in the Garden after your workshop ends, we recommend:
