The Process
How much do you know about the rainforests of the world? They are very special and important areas of the world which are home to thousands of species of plants and animals- many of which are found nowhere else in the world. These rainforests are endangered (at risk of being destroyed), because people are cutting them down and burning them for many reasons, like clearing for farmland to grow crops on.
Before you assume your expert roles, every member of your grouop will need to know some of the same general information about rainforests and ecotourism. There is a student dictionary link on the navigation bar if you find words that you do not know or understand. Use the sites below to learn all about the rainforest. Read carefully! The future of the tribe is in your hands!
Find out how "Rainforests are Full of Life."
http://kids.ran.org/kidscorner/action/Have you ever wondered "Where is the Amazon?"
http://www.eduweb.com/rainforest/worldmap.htmlFind out why the Rainforests are often considered "the world's greatest natural resource."
http://www.rain-tree.com/Read about the "Rio Blanco Ecotourism Study Summary" (Read only sections 1 and 2)
http://www.eduweb.com/schaller/RioBlancoSummary.htmlRead an advertisement for a vacation in the "Ecuadorian Amazon."
http://travelvantage.com/ecu_ama.html
Once every member of your group has read the background information, decide who will take each of the expert roles. Then, each member of the group will go to an expert web page and follow the directions on the assigned expert page. This includes exploring web sites, answering questions, and summarizing important information.
Rainforest Expert
This person will learn about the life in the rainforest, type of vegetation, climate, rainfall, the natives, dangers, etc.Zoologist
This person will learn about the animals in the rainforest and why they are important.Botanist
This person will learn about the different plants found in the rainforest, what they are used for, and why they are important.Ethnographer
This person will learn about the native tribes found in the Amazon basin, their habits, lives, and culture.
Next, each expert will write a ONE page report on how ecotourism will affect their expert topic. Your expert page will explain more about this. The report must be word-processed. Follow the link below to learn more about writing a good paper.
As a group, play the Ecotourism Interactive Game, a game where you must make decisions regarding tourism in your native village to help your tribe survive and make money, but at the same time, not harm the plants, animals, and people of the rainforest. Each of you will use what you learned from your expert pages to make these decisions. You must work together, talk about what you learned in your research, and come to complete agreement on the decisions you make. There are four experts, not just one or two! So don't be shy, give your opinion!
Ecotourism Interactive Game
http://www.eduweb.com/ecotourism/eco1.html
After completion of the game, write a Pro/Con list on the topic of ecotourism in the Ecuadorian Rainforest. This will be used in writing your group report and should be especially helpful in forming a group opinion on whether or not to suggest ecotourism to the Chief and his tribe.
For example: A PRO might be that allowing people into the rainforest would make more people in the world aware of the beauty and importance of the animals that live there. This might encourage more people around the world to help save endangered species. But a CON might be that people walking through the rainforest on tours may trample many of the insects, destroying their homes and killing them.
Follow the link below to learn more about making a Pro/Con list.
Next, use your Pro/Con list, your group will discuss whether there are more "pros" or "cons" to allowing ecotourism in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Discuss the following questions. In your discussions remember to talk nicely and listen to others opinions. Do not argue.
After discussing these issues, your group must choose one side to argue. ALL group members must agree on this position.
Once you have made your decision, your group will write a report stating your recommendation either for or against ecotourism in the village. Whichever position you choose, you must include supporting details and examples for why you would or would not allow ecotourism in the rainforest. The more good examples you use, the more your reader will be convinced that you are right! Your examples and details should come from the information that you and your group members collected.
Follow the link below to learn more about writing the group report.
To make your presentation to the Chief and his council more interesting and convincing, your group will also make a visual aid (poster or display board) on which you should include pictures, drawings, facts, etc. Be creative! You may also write on the visual. For example, list important facts or words in big print. Don't forget to include a catchy title!
Finally, your group will present its final decision and reasons in an oral presentation. Each group member should carefully write out what he/she plans to say about his/her area of expertise as it relates to your group decision. Individual contributions to the presentation will be extremely important. Remember to use the visual aid when talking to your audience. Speak clearly, be confident, and try not to just read your notes. Practice what you are going to say beforehand so you can keep eye contact with the Chief and his Council!
When the time arrives for your group to make your presentation, first introduce your general topic to the Chief and his Council (your class and the teacher). Tell them what your decision is and explain WHY you selected the position you did. Don't forget that information from all 4 experts must be included. During the presentation you will show the poster to the Chief and his Council and answer any questions they may have. Don't forget to ask your teacher for help if you need some suggestions for organizing your presentation!