Y3/4 (A): Why are rainforests important to us?
Based on the National curriculum for Geography in KS2, use this unit hub to inform your medium-term plan.
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Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Describe a biome and give an example.
- State the location and some key features of the Amazon rainforest.
- Name and describe the four layers of tropical rainforests.
- Understand that trees and plants adapt to living in the rainforest and give an example.
- Define the word indigenous and give an example of how indigenous peoples use the Amazon’s resources.
- Name one way in which the Amazon is changing.
- Articulate why the Amazon rainforest is important.
- Give an example of how humans are having a negative impact on the Amazon and an action that can be taken to help.
- Use a variety of data collection methods with support.
- Summarise how the local woodland is used and suggest changes to improve the area.
Lesson 5 involves fieldwork in a local woodland. It is important to risk-assess the proposed route taking into account any relevant school risk assessment policies and procedures. Refer to the Before the lesson section in Lesson 5 to prepare for this lesson. Please be aware this lesson may take longer than 1 hour.
Suggested prior learning
Y3/4 (A): Why do people live near volcanoes?
Get startedLessons
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 1: Where in the world are tropical rainforests?
- To describe and give examples of a biome and find the location and some features of the Amazon rainforest.
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 2: What is the Amazon rainforest like?
- To describe the characteristics of each layer of a tropical rainforest.
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 3: Who lives in the rainforest?
- To understand the lives of indigenous peoples living in the Amazon rainforest.
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 4: How are rainforests changing?
- To describe why tropical rainforests are important and understand the threats to the Amazon.
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 5: How is our local woodland used?: Data collection
- To understand how local woodland is used using a variety of data collection methods.
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 6: How is our local woodland used?: Findings
- To analyse and present findings on how local woodland is used.
Key knowledge
Related content
Unit resources

Knowledge organiser: Geography – Y4 Why are rainforests important to us?
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit "Why are rainforests important to us?".

Vocabulary display: Why are rainforests important to us?
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Why are rainforests important to us?'.
Cross-curricular opportunities
English: Spoken language, writing
Science: Plants, animals including humans, living things and their habitats
Mathematics: Statistics
British values: Mutual respect; Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
History
Physical education
RSE/PSHE