The Rainforest Food Web

Introduction  We will be studying food webs by researching and building our own Rainforest Food Web.  We will work as a class to create and present two PowerPoint presentations based on our research.

Step 1- Groups  Break up into assigned groups.  Each group will have four students.  Each layer of the rainforest will be studied by two groups; Forest Floor Understory Canopy Emergent Layer

Step 2 - Research Layer  Research your layer of the rainforest using the internet, textbook, or library and cite your resources.  Individually, take notes about the attributes of your layer. What is unique about it? How is it important?  Meet as a group to compare notes and decide which are the most important or interesting. Choose no more than 8 facts.

Step 3 - Research Organism  Each group member will choose an organism found in your layer to investigate.  There must be at least one plant, animal, and insect included in each group, so organize within your group.  Submit choice to teacher for approval (so there are no duplicates.)  Take notes on your organism. What is it? What role does is play; producer, consumer, decomposer? What does it eat? What eats it? How does it affect other organisms? Where does it find shelter? Any other interesting facts?

Step 4 - PowerPoint  Using your notes, create a PowerPoint presentation on your layer of the rainforest.  As a group, design at least two slides to introduce the layer. slide one - introduction slide two - interesting facts

Step 4 - PowerPoint cont.  Each individual is responsible for creating three slides on their chosen organism. Slide one - introduction with a picture Slide two - interesting facts Slide three - food web connections

Step 4 - PowerPoint cont. Food Web Connection Slide  Include at least two food sources, unless your organism eats only one thing.  Include at least two or three predators, or effects on other organisms.

Spider Monkey Connections Eggs Nuts/SeedsFruit

Step 5 - Reflection  Once the group PowerPoints are complete, they will be compiled into two separate slide shows for class presentations.  After viewing the class slideshow presentations and participating in discussion, write a one page reflection on what you learned about rainforests and what can be done to preserve them.

PowerPoint Tips  Use Pictures when appropriate.  Limit words when possible.  You may use colors, sounds, and animations.  Focus on the content. “Flash does not make up for trash”.