Videos

During the The Rainforest Challenge Presentations, STEP uses two videos:

1. The Rainforest Rap which can be purchased through The World Wildlife Fund (see resource list) for $25.
   Grade Level: K-5 (possibly older)
   Duration: l5 minutes
   Objective: Students will be able to name at least 5 different species in the rainforest, 3 reasons why the rainforest is being destroyed, what products come from the rainforest, and 2 ways that they can become involved in saving the rainforest. This video is a great motivational tool for students--especially younger ones. *Be sure to have them count the number of different animal species!*
   Follow up Activities: This video is a great way to begin your presentation. It offers a general overview of the rainforest.

2. The Island can be purchased from the National Geographic Society for $15. This video covers not only the destruction of the rainforest but also the world's many environmental problems in a very moving and emotionally engaging way.
   Grade Level: third grade-adult
   Duration: 20+ minutes
   Follow up Activities: Because this activity is a very emotional one, STEP feels it is necessary to have the students discuss what they have seen. How do the students feel about what they saw? How many environmental problems did they see? What are the possible solutions for these problems? What "environmental success stories" were discussed in the video?

Rainforest Facts

"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

"We lose 80 acres a minute, 11,500 acres a day, and 42 million acres per year of rainforest. " -1990. Forest Resources Project. Forest Congress in Paris, September 1991; data provided by Norbert Henninger, World Resources Institute, 1709 New York Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20006.