Rainforest Lesson: Tree Science
Lesson Plan
1 hour 45 minutesGradesK, 1, 2Social Studies, Biology, English Language Arts
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Written by Elizabeth Ward
About this lesson
In this lesson, students learn about trees in the rainforest and the impacts of deforestation through a read aloud, discussion, and informative writing.
Inquire: Students identify the main idea and details of The Great Kapok Tree and state why the trees in the rainforest are important.
Investigate: Students name the layers of the rainforest and explain trees’ role in the carbon cycle.
Inspire: Students understand the impacts of deforestation and discuss ways to limit the effects of deforestation.
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Everything you need to teach it
- Teacher SlideshowOpen
- Student DocumentsOpen
- Rainforest Unit OutlineOpen
- Station Guide & MaterialsOpen
- Plant & Animal Mini PostersOpen
- Vocabulary CardsOpen
Teaching tips
Suggestions
- This lesson is designed to be taught over several days. It may be helpful to teach the Inquire section during ELA, the Investigate section during science, and the Inspire section in writing.
- There are multiple activities that can be done as a whole group, in small groups, or independently through stations. Scaffolding is provided throughout the lesson.
- Teachers may teach the Tree Poem found in the Teacher Slideshow at the end of the Inquire section. This poem can be taught in parts during transitions, at morning meeting, or as a brain break. There is a student version of the poem in the Student Document.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 2 of 3 in our K-2nd grade Rainforest Unit.
- Teachers will need to source a hard copy of the book The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry from their local or school library. The e-book is also available on Open Library. Open Library is a good source for finding e-books and for locating copies of print books available at local libraries.
- If choosing to use the station activities, teachers may need to source materials.
- Teachers may need to take some time to familiarize themselves with the concepts of deforestation, the carbon cycle, and rainforests’ role in slowing global warming.
Differentiation
- Each activity in the lesson includes several scaffolded options to meet student needs.
- The Student Document includes planning and writing pages in three levels. This can be done with teacher assistance during small groups or independently during writing or station time.
- Teacher may choose to teach the lessons, use the station activities, or both.
- Teacher may substitute station activities that are relevant to the content being learned in the classroom.
From the scientist review
Students will gain knowledge of what constitutes a rainforest, where rainforests are found globally, how they affect the carbon cycle, and how to safeguard them from deterioration and unrelenting logging. The lesson has passed our science review process after being thoroughly fact-checked.
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About the teacher writer
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Elizabeth Ward
Elizabeth Ward, B.S., is SubjectToClimate's Chief Product Officer. She has more than 12 years of teaching experience across 3rd-grade science and social studies, Kindergarten, and online EFL, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement. She has spent 8 years in the education sector, spanning curriculum development and ed tech. Outside of work, she loves exploring the natural beauty of her home state of Texas.
