America’s Rain Forests

Curriculum Areas: Environment, Life Science, Science
Grades: 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Show Length: One 60-minute program; one 90-minute program
Usage Rights: Unlimited
Production Date: 2005
Distributor: Prince William Network http://www.pwnet.org
Availability: Duplication
WVIZ/PBS Broadcast:
Internet Site(s): http://rainforests.pwnet.org
Teacher Guide: Materials on web site.

CLOSED CAPTIONED: YES

Available for purchase on VHS or DVD to Ohio educators. $10 for the 60-minute program. $20 for the 90-minute program. Out of state requests should go directly to Prince William Network at the website above.

Researchers, scientists, biologists presented a live electronic field trip on Friday, October 14, 2005, teaching students about America’s tropical and temperate rain forests. During the live field trip, classrooms called in or emailed their questions. The experts were on location in the tropical rain forest at the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico and the temperate rain forest at the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. How are these rain forest ecosystems similar and different? What do rain forests have in common with the ecosystem where your school is located? What are researchers learning about rain forests?

A pre-taped 60-minute program about tropical and temperate rain forests is also available from the Video Resource Center, providing an introduction to these fascinating ecosystems. In the first segment, students will learn about the Caribbean National Forest, and accompany archeologists, scientists, and managers as they discuss their work and discoveries. In the second segment about the Tongass National Forest, students will learn about the world’s largest temperate rain forest and the people who live, play, gather food, and work there.

America’s Rain Forests: An Introduction (60 minutes)

America’s Rain Forests: A Distance Learning Adventure (90 minutes)

For lesson plans, go to http://rainforests.pwnet.org.