Ama-zone!
The Rainforest Project

The main focus of Ama-zone! The Rainforest Project is a role playing activity that allows the students to explore the many issues surrounding the Rainforest. It was designed by teachers to utilize information gathered by PBS 45 & 49 during a trip to the Peruvian Rainforest. Included in this package is a CD containing pictures and video footage of the rainforest taken by the PBS 45 & 49 staff. These can be used as reference material during student exploration of the Rainforest topics. There are also lesson plans and black line masters.

View QuickTime movies of a classroom using Ama-zone!

Teacher introduction 1 Minute

Student speeches 3 Minutes 30 Seconds

Student comments about the simulation 2 Minutes 15 Seconds

Teacher comments about the simulation 2 Minutes 15 Seconds

Teachable moments 1 Minute 30 Seconds

 

Ama-zone! can be&

  • Project based or subject specific
  • Cross curricular
  • Constructivist in approach

A simulation has been set up that assumes that a fictional World Summit on the Rainforest will be held to propose the adoption of the Amazon Rainforest as The Amazon World Preserve. 

 

Students will&

  • be assigned the role of one of these experts and be expected to research that expert's field. Help in searching is given on the Ama-zone! Web site.
  • decide their position based upon the research they have conducted and assume the role.
  • make a presentation to the class of the position that they will take before the World Council
  • engage in a debate with their classmates to determine the fate of the Amazon Rainforest.

 

What's Included in the Kit?

  • Simulation Planstudent role cards (with keywords for searching Internet sites), blackline masters, rubrics for assessment
  • A series of ten science content lesson plans that deal with many of the major issues and blackline masters to accompany the lessons.
  • A correlation guide to the Ohio Proficiency Models
  • A resource CD with pictures, sounds and video from the rainforest
  • Five videos segments (VHS format)
    A Rain Forest Overview
    The Challenge
    Biodiversity
    Medicine and Pharmacy
    The Culture