Studying the rainforest provides the opportunity for students to learn more about the world around them. Understanding that the world has components which are not in the immediate view or physical area of children is important. They can gain a more rich and exciting view of the world by learning about a region unlike their own which has a direct effect on theirs. Becoming informed about the allocation of rainforest resources, the students get the opportunity to understand how science and society influence one another. The children gain exposure to a new area of thought that will benefit them in being able to apply their new knowledge to other situations in the future.

        Incorporating mathematics and language arts into the area of science strengthens the quality of the students' experience with the rainforest. Using the familiar reading, being read to, and math to inform and expose the children to the rainforest is a sneaky way of introducing the unfamiliar, the uncomfortable in a light more desirable and natural to the children.

        The rainforest, itself, is a worthy topic of study for first graders as it enhances their picture of the world and their part in it. Knowing that they can help to preserve and an endangered region of their world empowers them. Even more important is finding out that learning is the key to this power.

1. Students will actively participate in lessons during discussions by volunteering ideas and thoughts at least once.
2. Students will be active participants during periods of independent seatwork by writing, decorating through coloring, and/or seeing help from their teacher or their peers.
3. Students will produce an animal mobile, animal card, and certificate for display.
4. Students will complete all independent seatwork.