I

Tropical rain forests are located in a narrow region near the equator in Africa, Asia, and South and Central America. These forests receive about 15-30 feet of rain per year. They are home to 1,500 flowering plants, 125 different mammals, 750 species of trees, 400 different types of birds, 100 types of reptiles, 60 kinds of amphibians and millions of different insects.

Rainforests make up only 2% of the Earth’s surface, however they play a huge role in our daily lives. They affect both the weather all over the world and the air that we breathe. They absorb carbon dioxide and help with the supply of oxygen. Rainforests also help us with creating new medicines, and are also a place where we look to when we need timber, rubber and nuts.

Fifty percent of the world’s rain forests have already been destroyed. Unfortunately 80% of these forests were gone by the year 2000. Until the problems of overpopulation and the demand for lumber are resolved, the destruction of the rain forests will continue.

The Task

Imagine you are a research scientist. How would you solve the problems of deforestation? You must learn why rainforests are necessary and ways that people can help to preserve the environment. Explain the role that

rain forests play in the biosphere. Name two problems that are contributing to the destruction of the

rain forest. Before you can find the answers to these questions, you must first familiarize yourself with the geographical location of the rainforests and be able to identify the various climates and people of the rain forest. You must also understand why rain forests are endangered. In groups, students will complete the PPA worksheets on line.

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/ppas/welcome.html

When you are finished you will create a PowerPoint presentation of 3 slides.

1. Complete worksheets on the rainforest.

2. Read and gather information from these sites. Compile your data and skim the material for the most important facts.

3. Complete the PPA worksheets.

4. Outline the important information.

5. Make a “rough draft” of how you envision your PowerPoint presentation. Use a storyboard format.

6. Create your presentation.

Look at the following websites to complete the task.

www.ran.org/ran/

www.rainforest-Alliance.org.

www.enchantedlearning.com

www.geog.umn.edu/~schaller/amazon/

www.earthfound.com/

Powerpoint Project Rubric
	A	B	C
Content	"A", plus Covers topic in depth. Elaborates throughout Includes details. Raises questions. Invites ?'s & curiosity & audience wants to know more.	"B" plus: Includes essential information. Some elaboration beyond minimal requirements. Texts are in correct English	Fulfills minimal topic requirements: Texts are paraphrased & overall in correct English. Variety of references were used The "what is, how, where, why, when, how often, with what effect is described. At least one Internet example is given.
Technology	"A", plus Graphics 1 Moving sequence. Includes varied graphics from 3 outside sources. Uses powerpoint varied features and attachments (scanner, etc). Uses varied yetcohesive methods for project.	"B" plus: Has 3 more cards. Often, more than one text field/card uses design features on most cards. Integrates 4 graphics from 2 outside sources.	Fulfills minimal requirements: Has title &overview cards. Each card 2 buttons, text. 3 cards have colors, transitions, sounds. 1 graphic each is included from 2 outside sources. Group work is integrated into one project. Shows effort and growth.
Oral Presentation	"A", plus Uses original approach effectively. Highly organized. Well rehearsed. Uses vivid, precise language. Ease in delivery techniques.	"B" plus: Interesting. Logical order. Fluid delivery. Clear connections in material. Good use of delivery techniques.	Engages audience. Clear and understandable. Uses appropriate language. Uses limited delivery techniques. Takes equal turns.
Teamwork	"A", plus: Provides vital leader- ship. Asks for and gives suggestion & help. Maintains positive attitude.	"B" plus: Helps to organize and facilitate group. Encourages others. Carefully edits peer/s. Stays on task, Meets due dates.	Works well in group. Contributes to group effort. Participates in peer editing. Does assigned tasks. Takes turns.

---

The powerpoint presentation will be the final activity of this unit. Students will reflect on the project and write about their experience of being a research scientist and how they plan on saving the rainforest

New York Learning Standards for English as a Second Language

Standards used for this unit are 1,3,4,5

Standard 1: Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for information and understand.

Standard 3: Students will listen, speak, read and write in English for critical analysis and evaluation.

Standard 4: Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for classroom and social interaction.

Standard 5: Students will demonstrate cross- cultural knowledge and understand