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Year 5 - Geography

Tropical and temperate rainforests

South America: why does the Amazon matter?

Unit Summary

This unit explores the Amazon rainforest as a region in South America. Pupils learn about its location, climate and biodiversity, investigate how people live and work there, and consider the global importance of protecting tropical rainforests.

Lesson Summary

You can explain what a rainforest is, describe the distribution of tropical and temperate rainforests, and make comparisons between these two rainforest types.

Key Notes

  • The rainforest is a type of environment or biome, with a distinctive climate and ecosystem.
  • Rainforests are located in tropical and temperate regions of the world.
  • Weather and climate conditions in tropical and temperate rainforests are different because of their locations on Earth.
  • Climate data can be used to investigate what rainforests are like.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Equator: The Equator is an imaginary line encircling Earth at 0° latitude and is an equal distance from the North Pole and the South Pole.
  • Tropic of Cancer: The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line of latitude lying north of the Equator.
  • Tropic of Capricorn: The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line of latitude lying south of the Equator.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils think that rainforests are only found in tropical regions.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The rainforest is a type of environment or biome, with a distinctive climate and ecosystem. Rainforests are located in tropical and temperate regions of the world.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'Equator'

The Equator is an imaginary line encircling Earth at 0° latitude and is an equal distance from the North Pole and the South Pole.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils think that rainforests are only found in tropical regions. Correction: Rainforests can be found in tropical and temperate regions.

More Lessons In This Unit

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